Recently I posted a question to you that if you had no boundaries, no limitations, no fears, no consequences, no worries - what would you do? If you could do anything without limitations, what would become your destiny?
And your answers gripped me. And I cried when I read some of yours. And I promised I would tell mine...which sounded like a great idea until I actually sat down to write it. Now I feel a little silly.
But that never stopped me before, right? So here goes:
If I had no worries, no responsibilities, no boundaries, and no fear...I would pack all my bags, sell all my possessions (well, most of them) and move to Africa. Where in Africa? Uhm, I don't know. Details Schmetails. (PS I know these pics are not of Africa - uhm, cause I have not been there.)
And I would move to a village that NEEDED help. I would forge relationships. Hear their stories. Listen to their desires. Learn their hopes. Carry their dreams. 
Then, I would begin....I would start a school. For anyone - young or old. And when they said BUT I can't because of THIS or THAT. Then, we would conquer the this or that. And when they trusted me enough to let their heart open and tell me their desires....I would listen and help find it. If it was an education, I would give it. If it was a reunion, I would find it. If it was a shoulder to cry on, oh honey...I got it. If it was a baby to hold, I'd hold all night long. If it was a sickness to solve, we'd search together. If it was a broken spirit, I would help lift it. If it was a beaten soul, I would show her who she was meant to be. 
If I could do anything, I would bring hope. I would make a difference.
And I know what you are sayin....CG, why Africa? What about Chicago? or New York? or East St Louis? or Your Own Backyard?
I agree. There is a lot to be said about making a difference where you are.
But I know this. In America, there is opportunity. And while you may be in the worst neighborhood or the poorest school or the roughest home....you still have opportunity. You have a chance to get an education...to find a career...to work hard...to get out. I have been to foreign countries....they do not even have the opportunity.
And it's my dream, if you don't like it - get your own.
I KID! I KID!
But that is what I would do. Because at the end of the day, you know what life is all about?
Anyone? Anyone?
13 comments:
OTHERS!! Thanks for that inspiring post- I was just sitting here feeling all sorry for myself for many unnamed reasons right now, but you are right it's not about us- we have to start elsewhere.
P.S.. So happy that ET is having a great time at the new school!
You are such a sweetheart...I love your dream.
What a go getter! Your dream is surreal and so authentic! Love it.
I love you in so many ways CG - this just jumped to the top of the looooooooong list :) I agree, there are so many in this world who don't even have a chance, don't even have a voice, don't even KNOW their potential. That is the world's greatest tragedy. Unfulfilled potential.
Your heart and thought processes are ones I strive to emulate. Thank you.
Love love love
xoxo
This is such a fabulous dream! I would love to go somewhere like South America and do the same. Its amazing what we take for granted. It would be so amazing to be able to drop everything and be able to help someone in need. But in reality.. It seems like I barely have the time to take care of myself. Which brings up one of my goals for 2009. Make more time for service!
Every day you inspire me to be a better, more giving, more thoughtful person. Thank you!
Love, Linda
i know you well enough to know that your dream is not at all too far off for you. when your kids are grown and out of the house, i have every reason to believe you could make this happen. if there is anyone i know who could do this, its YOU!
XOXO
It's all about your OTHERS word, and you CAn do this...now and probably are...alll the time, just not in Africa! :)
others yo!!!!! my answer was similar to yours. although more vague, bc well, it wasn't a blog post, just a response to one :) but i have the same feeling. and then i think SO WHAT??? i'm not in a third world country, but i also have all this responsibility and (pardon me) crap overwhelming me. but again, SO WHAT? why can't i help someone where i am now? what's holding me back?
fear. of not doing a good enough job at it. but again, SO WHAT? if i don't try it first, how will i ever know if i'm good or not?
you inspire in so many ways. imagine how many people you've inspired just by posting this one entry. you are a miracle and i continue to love you all the way from chicago :)
Beautiful.
I have a friend who is doing just what you said in this entry. He and his wife and 9 of their 10 children are moving to Africa to built a village for orphans. They will stay and raise them! It has been awesome to watch the Lord open the doors and pave the road to this dream of his.
pattyharral@verizon.net
Hey, intersting question u got on your mind.I asked my self the same question some time ago but i dindt have any answer.Why do you think that the people from Africa (tribes, village) need help?.... maybe we are the cause of their problemes, invading their teritory, distroying their places....
Very cool post CG. I'd never thought of it like that. The part about opportunity. Good point.
Wow - you are truly an inspiration - so fresh and funny and such a huge heart. I can honestly say my brain didn't go in that direction at all. I was thinking bigger jewlery business more customers - lots of boutiques carrying my stuff - sorta selfish I know.
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