What can I do? I often feel small when it comes to the problems of the world. I don’t have a large network of people to make a change. I don’t have a mountain of money to influence others to do the right thing. It is overwhelming and paralyzing.

I can choose to hope and pray the world changes. I can also choose to engage in the little ways that are put in front of me. This scripture reminds me that little choices can nurture others. It reminds me that I am called to participate in the work of God in my little corner of the world. I can do small things and bring change.

“If you get rid of unfair practices,
    quit blaming victims,
    quit gossiping about other people’s sins,
If you are generous with the hungry
    and start giving yourselves to the down-and-out,
Your lives will begin to glow in the darkness,
    your shadowed lives will be bathed in sunlight.
I will always show you where to go.
    I’ll give you a full life in the emptiest of places—
    firm muscles, strong bones.
You’ll be like a well-watered garden,
    a gurgling spring that never runs dry.
You’ll use the old rubble of past lives to build anew,
    rebuild the foundations from out of your past.
You’ll be known as those who can fix anything,
    restore old ruins, rebuild and renovate,
    make the community livable again. (Isaiah 58:9-12 MSG)

It takes all of us to build the community we want to live in. It takes all of us to do better. It takes all of us to use our influence in the places it exists. What can I do? The answer is a lot. Every choice to put someone else first makes a difference. Every time I hold my tongue, makes a difference. Every time I use my story to bring light into darkness, makes a difference. I can choose to participate in the work of God right here.

Do you ask yourself, “What can I do?” What answers have you come up with? Share your experience here and breathe life and bring hope to others.