Haven’t posted something in two weeks.  Ooops! …  ‘i’ll get to it when there’s time,’ but there never seems to be time unless i, uh, make time.  To. Do. Something….

So, here’s a quickie something Papa shared with us the other day from Helen Keller, the inspiring woman of courageous faith, determination & grit who  – blind AND deaf – overcame a dark, silent internal world to bring the light of knowledge to so many around the world.

“I am only one; but I am one.  I cannot do everything, but still I can do something.  What I can do, I ought to do; and what I ought to do, by the grace of God, I will do.”  (Helen Keller, 1880-1968)

After Helen Keller overcame her challenges, she impacted the whole world. Books have been written & movies made about her life (“The Miracle Worker” et all.)  Truly, she was – and continues to be 45 years after her death – an inspiration to so many.

What strikes me about Helen Keller’s story, however,  is also the important role of her inspiring tutor, Anne Mansfield Sullivan.  She took an unruly child, ‘lost’ in an internal hell of silence & dark, & gave her the gift of love… & communication… & education… & so much more.   When Helen eventually attended the highly touted  Radcliffe College, Miss Sullivan spelled her textbooks out letter by letter into Helen’s hands… for FOUR YEARS.

Helen Keller graduated magna cum laude.

Miss Sullivan was just one person…who helped one child….who helped millions.

When so much need exists around the world, in our cities, in our communities & in our families, sometimes what we can do as ‘one’ person seems like just a drop in a fountain.

But, as more & more individual drops of love & courage in each small task of faithful service pile up & overflow… a waterfall of momentum cascades hope & change & opportunity.

Like Helen Keller & Anne Mansfield Sullivan, we all have a choice, to do those somethings we can do, however small or tall, to be part of this waterfall.

grace, peace & inspirational something(s)

Virginia : )

p.s. if you would like to know more about Helen Keller’s life, click here.  While working overseas , i was also very impressed by the programs of Helen Keller International – now an active presence in 22 countries.

“Faith is the strength by which a shattered world shall emerge into the light.”  Helen Keller