Half Turn Notes

I believe it is possible for ordinary people to achieve extraordinary things. For me, the difference between an "ordinary" and an "extraordinary" person is not the title that person might have, but what they do to make the world a better place for us all. I have no idea why people choose to do what they do. When I was a kid I didn't know what I wanted to be when I grew up, but I did know what I didn't want to do. I didn't want to grow up, have 12 kids, get married, the whole white picket fence thing. And I certainly didn't think about being an activist. I didn't even really know what one was. When I decided to live a life hundred eighty degrees from my past with the idea of trying to change in this country. I certainly had more than a few ideas about how to begin, but what if nobody cared? What if nobody responded? But I knew the only way to answer those questions was to accept the challenge. If I have any power as an individual, it's because I work with other individuals. We've all worked together to bring about extraordinary change. The 180 degrees kind of life is not just about fun, fun, and more fun -- it's about the power of individuals to change and live in a different way. I believe in both my right and my responsibility to work to create a world that doesn't settle for, but where we seek different solutions to our common problems. I believe that these days, daring to voice your opinion, not by merely talking but living it out, can be an act of courage. I know that holding such beliefs and speaking them publicly, I mean living it out is not always easy or comfortable or popular just like Paris Hilton. But I believe that life isn't a popularity contest. I really don't care what people say about me -- and believe me, they've said plenty. For me, it's about trying to do the right thing even when nobody else is looking. I believe that worrying about the problems plaguing our planet without taking steps to confront them is absolutely irrelevant. The only thing that changes this world is taking action. I believe that words are easy. I believe that truth is told in the actions we take. And I believe that if enough ordinary people back up our desire for a better world with action, we can, in fact, accomplish absolutely extraordinary things. Verse to reflect on: Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.   2 Corinthians 4: 16 Contributed by: Ernie Gagno