World Changers!

And He called a child to Himself and set him before them, and said, "Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. "Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 18: 2-5
Are you concerned about the state of our planet, the rise of human trafficking, poverty or hunger?  Well, after attending the WE Day Family event last week I actually believe this generation of young people are going to make the world an extraordinary place.


Living me to we is an inspiring movement, founded by Craig and Marc Kielburger that seeks to empower youth to change the world at home and abroad. 


That night there was a stirring performance by Gord Downie from the Tragically Hip.  Despite his own battle with illness, Gord courageously continues to shed light on a dark part of our own history that most would rather choose to forget.

He shares the story of Chanie Wenjack, a boy in the 1960's who fled his Residential school and sadly never made it home again.  Chanie's story represents the thousands of First Nations children who were taken from their homes and denied their own culture. Star article Gord Downie, Chanie Wenjack Story   It was an incredible moment to see the impact of the life of this young boy from so many years ago transform a stadium full of young people as they leaned in to hear the powerful message of reconciliation.

Then Rick Hansen, Canadian Paralympian and activist came out on stage to speak.  My youngest nephew leaned over, cupped his hand to my ear and whispered this question...



"what is my disability Aunt Nicole?"      


I smiled and attempted to explain that he was right. Sometimes our disabilities are not obvious or exposed for others to see. 

I was touched by his tender, yet perceptive question.

There it was...the power of children to change the world.

This innocent question from my young nephew demonstrated the heart and insight to presume sameness.

In his mind, if Rick Hansen has a disability then I must have one as well.

How different would the world be if we learned to approach others regardless of their disability, race, religion or gender with the assumption that we are all more alike than we think?

I believe it is no mistake that there are countless stories of Jesus demonstrating His love and time spent with children, because He fully intended to use them to lead the way and change our world!



Comments

  1. How much we need to be reminded of this truth. Thank you Nicole for the reminder :)
    "Do you hear what these children are saying?" they asked him. "Yes," replied Jesus, "have you never read, "'From the lips of children and infants you, Lord, have called forth your praise'?"
    Matthew 21:16

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you Laura for sharing that verse...amen!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular Posts