This post is part of a campaign throughout the blogosphere to save and empower girls that deserve our attention- to learn more visit The Girl Effect Blogging Campaign and see how YOU can help make a difference.
There is nothing more satisfying than making a huge positive impact on the lives of other people.
Actually scratch that…
I can think of something else even more satisfying, and that’s being able to change the world for the better using something as simple as my time, my computer, and my blog.
It literally costs me nothing if I so choose, other than the time it takes me to write this post.
Of course, I chose to donate more than just my time, but that’s just me… even just doing something as simple as sharing this post can have a huge ripple effect in some girl’s life, somewhere.
Got you hooked now don’t I?
Look, here’s the deal.
Doing my bit of good for the world doesn’t mean that I have to parachute into a war-stricken territory and rescue every single soul in sight. It doesn’t mean I have to donate hundreds or millions of dollars to make a difference.
My idea of a modern day hero is actually much more modest, down-to-earth and realistic. And if I can be a hero in my own little way, then I’m convinced you can too. Girls like this one below need us.
Let Me Ask You Something
Do you still remember way back when you were 12 years old?
More than likely you were preoccupied with girls/boys, sports, fashion, rock bands, your first pimples and your friends.
It was rowdy and it was fun, and I’m sure that you still have many fond memories of that time you were right smack in the middle of puberty and adulthood.
If you do have fond memories, count yourself blessed because there are so many who have horrific memories that you and I can’t even imagine.
For most of us in the West, the world is one big bountiful place to live in, and every corner presents us with a new opportunity and choices in life.
But unfortunately, not everyone is as lucky as we are, especially in developing countries where the lives of girls go through a vicious cycle of poverty and bondage in a life they don’t want and certainly didn’t ask for.
There’s Good News Though
There’s something you can do about the situation.
Which brings me to The Girl Effect and the reason this post was written.
I knew that I found something really precious to blog about when I came across The Girl Effect website and saw just how powerful collective effort can be.
Many people are often misguided; feeling overwhelmed when faced with a post like this, and wondering what can one single person really do to make any sort of lasting difference.
The Short Answer is that One Person Can Do Alot
And if you’re shaking your head right now in disagreement, I’m sorry but… I think it’s time for you to re-examine your mindset or stop making excuses for yourself.
Like it or not, we’re all in this world together, and there will always be something you can do somewhere, that will make a difference in the life of someone.
But the bottom line is sometimes there are people out there that need our help much more than others, and deserve it as a basic human kindness to try to ease their suffering.
And that’s what “The Girl Effect” is about… shining a light on girls who have no voice and no say in this big bad world, and attempting to make a difference, one girl at a time.
I’d dare you to take a couple moments to watch the video below.
Powerful Isn’t It?
Simply put, The Girl Effect throws a spotlight on the issue of underage girls living in developing countries that face the very real and grave threats of:
- A lack of education.
- Soul-killing poverty.
- Prostitution and rape.
- Sexually-transmitted diseases.
- And even death.
The whole idea behind The Girl Effect is that spreading the word about the plight of these girls will ultimately help in lobbying for better living conditions and life opportunities for girls everywhere.
I daresay that the Western woman is the luckiest woman alive, just because she has the freedom to choose her path in life and make her dreams come true.
Other girls don’t even get to dream about better things because all they know in life is poverty and pain.
We Can Change That
YOU can change that.
We (me and you) can help girls around the world become empowered women with choices and ambitions.
We start with one girl, with one generation, and later on we will see ripples of The Girl Effect making an impact on the lives of these unfortunate young women.
The work ahead of us is long and difficult, but if every girl (and guy, ya’ll aren’t exempt boys!) out there chips in a bit of time to help out, I’m sure that we can help make a considerable change in the way things work outside of the Western world.
[Climbing up on a political soap box momentarily.]
We as a nation are in a position to bless and be blessed. Our country was built on the principles of God’s word, and the running theme throughout the Bible?
Give and serve those less fortunate than yourself, in whatever way you can, whenever you can.
I think people have forgotten the power of giving and serving others, and I firmly believe it’s why our country is falling apart. It shows in the greed and corruption of our nation.
And seriously people.
One person can make a difference, especially when part of a collective whole.
[Climbing down from the political soapbox with a small “Thank You Baby Jesus!” for not falling.]
So…
Check out The Girl Effect website, and follow them on Twitter and Facebook to see how you can contribute to this one-of-a-kind campaign. Blog about it. Tell your friends about it.
DO SOMETHING.
Really.
DO IT NOW.
I promise that you too can change this world for the better, if you really put your heart into it.
Girls like this will thank you.
Warmest,
All other images are linked directly to source.
Special thanks goes to Ali and Charlie for making me aware of this campaign and inspiring me to get involved. As always, your thoughts are welcome in the comments below, and please, please get involved somehow… even if it’s only to share this post with your people.