20 seconds of courage

Does anyone watch "Secret Millionaire" on Sunday nights? I absolutely love this show and it inspires me each week. I have thought of this blog post for weeks now but just haven't had the courage to do anything with my inspiration. There is a quote I saw floating around Pinterest and I think it comes from the movie, "We bought a zoo". The quote says that basically you need 20 seconds of courage to do something. Well here is my 20 seconds.

"Secret Millionaire" takes millionaires out of their lavish homes and lifestyles, removes their cars, phones, and credit cards and transplants them into an area that is impoverished, high crime rate, etc. This area is usually in their backyard. The millionaire lives in the area for a week and volunteers at different organizations and learns more about the people that these organizations serve. Usually the organizations are struggling financially but they keep going. They keep going because of the people they serve. They serve at risk youth, the elderly, homeless, youth with disabilities and their families, etc. During the week, the millionaire is changed and they realize that their is life bigger than ourselves.

At the end of the week, the millionaire reveals to the organization that they are indeed a successful millionaire and then presents a check in the amount of their choosing to the organizations. The organizations are completely surprised, in shock, and stand in awe of the gift they are given. Each week I cry and am left inspired. I want to do something with this inspiration and want to know if you want to help and if so, how we can do something here locally.

I am by no means a millionaire but I do have time to give. I have a body that allows me to lift, carry, haul, push, pull, drag. I have 2 arms and 2 legs that are willing and able. I have energy that needs to be burned off. I have a spirit that wants to give to others and in turn be filled. I have time to give.

I am ready to use this inspiration but then I don't know what to do next. I don't know all the organizations that need help here in Lexington? I will be the first one to admit that I am scared. I am scared about getting out of my comfort zone and I want to stay safe in my world. However, I keep feeling God telling me to go do something with this inspiration.

As if I didn't already hear Him enough, I am reading "Banned Questions about the Bible" (Christian Piatt) with my young adult bible study and each contributing author lists the top five things to do to make the world a better place. Many listed helping others. After reading the lists of top five things to do, I knew I had to act on my 20 seconds of courage.

My question to you is if you want to help volunteer somewhere with me, please let me know. My followup question to that is what organizations in Lexington need help? Email me, call me, send me a FB message, if you are interested in getting outside your comfort zone and helping others who need it.

It just takes 20 seconds of courage...