Wouldn’t it be great if Paul Potts, the guy who got his one chance and is living the life of his dreams–wouldn’t it be just perfect if he would turn around and give others a hand up? George Sampson, Andrew Johnston, Faryl Smith, and the others–what if they came up with a plan to reach out to the people and find a way to help and encourage them, rather than just entertain? If you’ve followed this blog much at all, you know that I keep harping on the value of the Paul Potts story. Sure he can sing well, but his story…his story has the power to heal and encourage. The world needs entertainment, sure enough, but we have a deeper need–a need to be loved and valued. We need hope. We need good dreams.

I am pleased to see that one of the staple American publishers is still into old-fashioned values. I went to the website of an old friend recently, Reader’s Digest, and found that they have a perfect example of what I’m talking about. It’s a new section, entitled RD.com - Make Your Mark.

I found the story of a teacher there who puts me to shame. You see, it is one thing to play armchair quarterback for Paul Potts and to spout off about what he should do. But the rubber meets the road when someone in my own profession makes the news. Patty Hall and her students reached out to a villiage in Kenya and helped develop a clean, safe water source there. Now, that is an admirable thing. Notice that I didn’t say that Patty and her kids were talking about helping someone–they did it.

Can’t think of something to do that would help others, you say? The “Make Your Mark” section not only tells about what others have done, but suggests ways that anyone can help. It’s called the “Weekly Challenge.” Check it out for yourself. Here is a link to the Reader’s Digest Homepage. It’s a great place to get started and Make Your Mark.