Ordinary Joe

The power of one person can be astounding. This past week we saw a documentary film about a Vietnam veteran, Steve Sciacci, who was a medic during the war and hails from Long Island, NY. Since 1998, he has been returning to Vietnam once or twice a year to connect and support the most down trodden and least fortunate, usually children. Prior to leaving, he has a backyard fundraiser where people donate money (he was uncertain as to the total amount) that he then literally hand delivers to those in need in Vietnam.

Steve is a roofer by trade and as he said in the film, there are thousands of roofers in the States. At home, he can fix someone's roof but he doesn't feel he can truly alter someone's life, whereas in Vietnam, he feels he can. Two Hundred American dollars in Vietnam can make a big difference to families whose child is disabled or tragically ill. So, this "ordinary Joe", pays his own way and uses local connections to traverse the country literally handing out cash to the most heartbreaking and often ignored people. When asked why he doesn't associate with a larger NGO he replied something along the lines of, "because I want to be able to do it my way. It's not about the amount of money I give, it's about the connection that I make. My intention is to let these people know that someone cares about them".

I couldn't help but be inspired by Steve's intention, yet in a greater way by his action. Instead of sitting back and doing nothing he has taken the matter into his own hands and tried to make a difference. It would be so much easier to recognize that suffering exists and do nothing because it's "over there" - out of sight, out of mind.

My thought for the week is this. How many times have we been in a conversation about something that is awful, challenging or unthinkable? How many times have we taken the conversation further and investigated if there is some action that can and is being taken? And how often are WE the ones being the catalysts for altering the course of suffering? It's like being a "theoretical meditator" where we know about mediation and its benefits but don't sit on the cushion.

A first step is that we talk about an issue and begin to raise awareness not only for ourselves, but for others. But what will ultimately create a shift is if we actually do something about it. So take a moment to dive into your heart and see what spark has been lit...something that really gets you going and riled up. Then ask yourself the questions: Am I ready to do something about it? If yes...what action can I take? It has launched many altruistic journeys. Perhaps this is the time to launch yours.