Are you a point of light?

Ever since my early childhood, I have been interested in politics. Of course, I know that this subject is not of interest to many, but I feel my interest can help others become interested. You see, I see politics as a way in which to get involved and serve others.  For two months, I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to be an intern in Alabama's legislative body. During that time I learned that politics isn't always what people make it out to be. Don't get me wrong, there are cronies out there, but there are also well-minded, tireless fighters in politics too that are exercising their right to be involved in making a difference.

Today is Thankful Thursday and I am thankful that I live in a country where I can become involved in the  political activities of this country. After all, many men and women have fought and died for my right.Therefore, why shouldn't I be thankful and use that right? Too many times, people feel that they can't make a difference in their country. My response to that belief is, "All it takes is a point of light!" Well, you ask, what's a "point of light"? Perhaps I can answer that question with these song lyrics:

Point of Light- by Randy Travis

There's a point when you cannot walk away 
When you have to stand up straight and tall and mean the words you say
There's a point you must decide just to do it 'cause it's right
That's when you become a point of light

There's a darkness that everyone must face
It wants to take what's good and fair and lay it all to waste
And that darkness covers everything in sight
Until it meets a single point of light

All it takes is a point of light,
A ray of hope in the darkest night.
If you see what's wrong,
And you try to make it right,
You will be a point of light.

There are heroes whose names we never hear
A dedicated army of quiet volunteers
Reaching out to feed the hungry,
Reaching out to save the land
Reaching out to help their fellow men.

There are dreamers who are making dreams come true
Taking time to teach the children there's nothing they can't do.
Giving shelter to the homeless giving hope to those without.
Isn't that what this land's all about.

One by one from the mountains to the sea,
Points of light are calling out to you and me

All it takes is a point of light a ray of hope in the darkest night.

If you see what's wrong and you try to make it right
You will be a point of light.

You see, getting involved is the answer. Think about it this way. What if George Washington did not decide to cross the Delaware? What if Abraham Lincoln decided never to branch out from his log cabin? What if Paul Revere hadn't taken that ride? What if Patrick Henry had never spoke the words, "Give me liberty or give me death!"? Of course, we understand what would have happened if these things didn't take place, but let's dig a little deeper. We know all of these people from history. Yet there are some people that we don't know who have been points of light for you and for me. Consider this:

Alice Catherine Evans was a microbiologist who discovered how to pasteurize milk, thus saving countless lives from sickness cause from un-pasteurized  milk. Point of light?

An American solider in World War II, John R. Fox died when he deliberately called an artillery strike on his own position. Fox realised that the German troops were overrunning his party’s position. The strike delayed the enemy long enough for other American units to organize a counter attack. Point of light?

Jong-rak is a pastor in South Korea, who created a “baby box”. He attached the box to the side of his house, to allow parents to deposit their mentally handicapped or unwanted babies, to stop them being abandoned on the side of the road. Point of light?

What if people in my small town of Range, Alabama didn't decide to fight a corrupt landfill developer from destroying the environment and the quality of life of individuals throughout south Alabama? Point of light?

I think you understand what I mean. Sometimes, all it really takes is a "point of light." All it takes is someone who is willing and ready to step up to the plate in order to make a difference. We have the opportunity be a point of light in America and I am very thankful for that opportunity. Too often, we complain that we don't matter. Too often we say, "Someone else will do it." Too often we miss out on being that "point of light." Too often we get disgusted because things are done that aren't right. However, we don't take the time to "stand up straight and tall and mean the words we say." We don't "reach out to feed the hungry." We don't "reach out to save the land." We don't "reach out to help our fellow man." We don't "make dreams come true." We don't give hope to those without." BUT Isn't that what America's all about? 

So today, decide that you can be a point of light where you are. Participate. Get involved. Listen. Work. Volunteer. Be a point of light! Tonight, perhaps the measure of a man can be found in his ability to be a point of light. For in doing so, he will only improve this land for himself and those around him. That, my friends, is just a few thoughts from a small town southern man!