One person can make a
difference.
When I write this, the Most
Rev. Michael Curry has been Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church for less
than two years. Yet while attending the Diocese of Hawai’i’s annual convention
a couple of weeks ago I was impressed by Bishop Curry’s pervasive influence on
the proceedings. This influence was especially noteworthy because Bishop Curry
was not present and will not formally visit this Diocese until 2019.
Evidence of his influence included:
- A speaker early in the proceedings repeatedly emphasizing that one of his favorite quotations was from Bishop Curry (Forgive like Jesus; love like Jesus; serve like Jesus)
- A video report from the Diocesan youth attendees at the Episcopal Youth Event that prominently featured Bishop Curry and his dynamic preaching
- References by several individuals to Bishop Curry’s call for Episcopalians to become Jesus people.
- His consistent focus on a single message, consistently applying and presenting that message in a wide variety of contexts
- His recognizing and utilizing his significant gifts as a communicator
- The work of the Holy Spirit, blessing a bishop who has been called for such a time as this.
Each person has a choice. Each
must decide whether to pursue celebrity or making a difference in the world.
Very few individuals will make a difference and become a celebrity. And in
pursuit of becoming a celebrity, the question arises of what price one is
willing to pay to become a celebrity. Being a celebrity – even for just a few
minutes – is rarely free or without compromise. Similarly, if one wants to make
a difference in the world, the questions are what price one is willing to pay
to make a difference and what difference one aims to make. Naming celebrities
who have changed the world at considerable harm to others and to the world is
relatively easy.
Naming living people who have
changed the world for the better without harming others or the world, though
perhaps at considerable cost to themselves, is much more difficult. Bishop
Curry is arguably one such individual. Are you?
1 comment:
Excellent reflection, Rev. Clifford! Very inspiring!
You have made a positive difference for me.
Sincerely yours,
Ray+
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