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Sunday, October 16, 2011

Making a Difference

Not too long ago, this appeared in my inbox.  It is an article that tells about young people planting trees and making a difference in the world.

And they did this, too:

The students took turns reading passages from “Somewhere Today: A book of peace” by Shelley Moore Thomas before helping pat dirt around the new tree, which will soon boast a plaque commemorating Peace Week.



I could not be more touched.

When the youth of today take action in their world, it inspires others to do the same. That was the whole point of the book.  And I cannot tell you how much it means to me that, 13 years later, the message from my little book is still out there, getting read to new ears and new trees and hopefully influencing new people to make decisions that change our world for the better.

Still in print.  


Thank you, students from Santa Maria, Orcutt, and Guadalupe for letting me be a part of your amazing Peace Week.  (About 450 of the 700 people that participated were students!  Go awesome young people!!)

I challenge all of you reading this to do one thing this week that helps the world--big or small--it doesn't matter.  What matters is that you put thoughts and words into action.

hrh

16 comments:

Tricia J. O'Brien said...

what a wonderful treat to find in your inbox. I can't imagine a more satisfying moment than having kids reading your book outloud to promote peace.

Joanne R. Fritz said...

Wow, that is so sweet. And so inspiring.

Natalie said...

That is so awesome! I only hope I can someday write a book that means that much to someone.

I'll see what I can do about helping the world this week. :)

Jess said...

That's so cool! It must feel so wonderful to know that your writing has helped out the world!

I'll make sure to better the world in some way this week!

Sherrie Petersen said...

How cool is that!! What a wonderful thing to find.

Matthew MacNish said...

Shelley, I was at the Alpharetta B&N on Saturday, and I wanted to get one of your Knight books for my nephew, but they were out of stock.

I'll guess I'll have to buy it online, which is fine.

MG Higgins said...

Oh, this is wonderful. You must have been thrilled!

Janet Johnson said...

Very awesome! I'm going to have to think about what I'll do. Thanks for the challenge! :)

Shannon O'Donnell said...

That is so cool, Shelley! I love it that they were doing such wonderful things, but I also love it that they used your book as part of it!! :-)

Kelly Polark said...

That is wonderful and must have touched your heart, Shelley!!!!

Anonymous said...

Both awesome and inspiring!

Jackee said...

This story is the perfect ending to my day! Thanks for sharing! :o) Nothing could be better than seeing your words touch another into good works. And trees and kids! My two favorite causes. You are truly amazing, Shelley, my friend!


P.S. I <3 this book as well! So sweet and open-hearted.

P.P.S. I accept your challenge! I'll report back later on how it went....

Sharon K. Mayhew said...

Wow...That is something special. I know your heart was full when you read that email.

:D WTG, Shelley!

Laura Pauling said...

That is so cool! What a nice note to receive. Awesome!

Christina Lee said...

Awww, that got me choked up! xx

Jessie Oliveros said...

What an amazing thing to have your book influence so many people (and trees)!!