Influencers

Whindersson Nunes is an influencer.  Even if you do not know who Mr. Nunes is, you would know what he does.  The word “influencer” is familiar.

I found an article with the title, “The Most Popular Influencers on Instagram”.  This blog lists various people who are now famous with tens of millions of followers.  I guess they have something important to say.  It is probably more accurate to say, “Many people BELIEVE these influencers have something important to say.”

While thinking about the popularity of these ‘celebrities of opinion’, it occurs to me that we ALL have something important to say.  We ALL have contributions to make within our own circles of influence and beyond.  

You, yes YOU, are an influencer!

We will probably not be the very first Instagrammer with 1-billion followers.  But, we can be the very first influencer to lift up a neighbor, a co-worker, or even a stranger.

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Mathew 5:14-16

So, here’s the thing.  We can be the lights of the world individually.  But standing together, we can push back the darkness of this world more effectively because we are brighter and more visible as a group.

This past weekend, I took a little drive to Oklahoma.  For most of us, (me too) it would be a crazy (stupid-crazy?) thing to do as my only objective was to visit The Well Church.  I have been following this church for a while now and the visit was more than I dared it to be. Crazy or not, I have no regrets.  I now have faces to connect with great people – people who welcome and love others, even strangers like me!  They practice holding others in unconditional esteem.  This 'unconditional esteem' is a definition of love proclaimed by a Canadian pastor named Bruxy.  

The Large Chairs and then, the small ones . . . 

While in Oklahoma for a full 24 hours between two days of driving, I visited two memorials.  

• The Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum.  Although the museum was closed, I spent a great deal of time wandering around the memorial that honors the survivors, victims, families, and rescuers on the location of the bombing of the Arthur P Murrah Federal Building on April 19, 1995.
• Greenwood Rising.  I consider myself fortunate to have been able to visit this brand-new educational memorial (opened in August of this year) remembering the destruction of Black Wall Street in the Greenwood district of Tulsa on Memorial Weekend, 1921 – 100 years ago.

Both made an impact. In Oklahoma City, 168 Americans died at the hands of Americans including 19 children playing in a daycare center on the 2nd floor of the building.  The memorial features one empty chair for each victim.  The chairs for these children are, well smaller – and it hurts.

In Tulsa, an estimated 300 Americans (but nobody really knows for certain) were murdered by Americans using firebombs thrown from the streets and dropped from aircraft. Loss of life was complemented by the destruction of every home and building in the downtown district.

Impact demands attention. More than just the shaking heads, action is necessary.  So, I thought, is there a way to put this together with the goals of #Groupsof10?

As part of the Greenwood Rising experience, visitors are asked to commit to some action, small or large.  It’s the commitment to act that’s important.  This is my proposal.

The Greenwood Rising #Groupsof10 is now live!

Each participant will donate $10 to the Greenwood Rising non-profit.  I won’t ask that you send anything to me directly, but use the website, donate, and send the receipt to me along with your written commitment for change.

From the Greenwood Rising Website

Please see the details on the Sandals and a Stick webpage for this event.

As Seth Godin reminds us,

“The ocean is made of drops. And the drops are up to us. Who else is going to care enough to make an impact?”

Please join this group, share this opportunity with friends and family.  Then consider how you might be able to start groups as well.  There is no lack of opportunity to help another.

From the bottom of my heart, I thank you!

Mike

Links for more information.

• The Greenwood Rising website
• Greenwood Rising Donation Page
• Sandals and a Stick website – Greenwood Rising Groups of 10 
• LinkedIn – Groups of 10
• Facebook – Groups of 10
• Twitter – Groups of 10
• Sandals and a Stick Blog, "Groups of 10" March 2020
• Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum