Asia James
6/7/07
Eng. 101
Journal 3: A father
On a planet of close to 5 billion people, could one person make a difference? Yes or no? Use examples to support your claim.
In a world so big, can someone so small make a difference? Yes, it is possible that one person, driven by a vision or dream, can influence the lives of others, and change our society one person at a time. This process isn’t easy and requires a great amount of dedication and a strong support system, but with the right tools, one person can make a difference.
Upcoming author, Sir Wesley Smith, of the book, Grace and Mercy, has greatly impacted the lives of hopeless and confused people. His book has been greatly recognized by the community of Maryland, D.C., Florida, and has even made its way into the hands of the famous pastor, T.D. Jakes. He has spoken at over fifty churches, community out reach programs; half way houses, the Lorton Jail located in Virginia, men and young boy group homes, church revivals, and from my own personal experience, held “To Feed the Homeless” outreach every year on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Although he is known as Sir or Servant Wesley Smith, it has been a privilege to know him not as a stepfather, but daddy. My father has greatly impacted our community, being invited to speak on the radio, and TBN, the infamous Christian television station, about his life and book. Now you might wonder what makes him so wonderful. Once you read his book, meet him for yourself, and discuss his vision with him, you can decide for yourself.
His book is a testament to his life, and how he has overcome the world of drugs, lies, violence and escaped the electric chair. “It’s through His grace and mercy”, this statement alone has encouraged so many people who thought their world was over because of past mistakes. Through his book, he has opened up his life to be an example of how, “with the help of God”, you can turn you life around. One by one his book has traveled from one hand to another, and from soul to soul, he has touched someone’s life. At a book singing, there were a lot of people there that day saying how much they enjoyed reading his book. But a little girl came up to my father and said she heard his testimony on the radio and wanted to buy the book for her dad so he could have hope and realize he can change to! This is why I believe one person, along with others, can change the world, one little girl at a time.
However, “Changing the World”, didn’t start by waking up and writing a book, it started with recognizing a need, and then taking action to improve that need. Many people see things that need change r help but do nothing about it but complain. For example, you ride down the street and see the trash on the side walk; you say “this neighborhood has gotten so dirty.” Instead of criticizing, you can make a difference by planning a day with a group of people, or by yourself and pick up the trash. This is what my father has done; he saw a need for the hopeless and provided his testimony, love, and a listening ear, as a solution.
In conclusion, I do think that one person can make a difference. However, making a difference requires a strong support and belief system. You don’t have put your life in the lime-light, to make a difference, you can start with yourself; because the changing the world starts with changing yourself for the better.
