The Courage To Make A Difference

If you have been among Christian circles long enough, you will be familiar with the first line of the Prayer of Serenity: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things that I cannot change.”

Through the Boys Brigade, I’ve certainly learned a lot about accepting things I cannot change. For example, I’ve learned that Bible Studies on Prayer, will never be as interesting as frank discussions on Boy-Girl Relationships. Or, how jokes about bodily functions will always be funny – especially after a dinner of rice and baked beans over campfire. I’ve even accepted how Boys always need to find ways to bend the rules (just enough!) without actually getting into trouble (not that they get away with it)!
In short, I’ve learned to accept that Boys will always be Boys.

Through the Boys Brigade, I’ve also grown to appreciate the less-often-quoted parts of the Serenity Prayer: “God, grant me… the Courage to change the things I can, and the Wisdom to know the difference.”

While there are many things I know I cannot change, the BB has always challenged me to be strong and courageous enough to change the things I actually can. For example, in our service for others, I’ve learned to do my part in helping the helpless through fundraiser projects, as with the National Kidney Foundation. I’ve discovered how young Boys can become fine Men of True Christian Character with a little nurture, discipline and friendship. And most importantly, I have seen how God can use our smallest efforts to leave good, lasting impressions that change lives.

I experienced this in my own life: My life’s direction changed when one Officer said “Hello” to me on my first day in BB, two days before I turned 12 years old. Other Officers and friends in the BB soon helped me see my life differently.

You may not realize this, but many BB members, like me, do not come from Christian homes or church backgrounds. Yet, it was through the BB that, one sunny Saturday afternoon in a church playground, my friends and I were introduced to a Captain who won us a decisive victory over sin and death, when He gave His life for us. Now, through His example, I have come to see my own life as a service for others.

These days, I see situations, people, Boys – not just as they are, but what they could be. In my commission as an Officer, I’ve prayed for courage to make a good difference to my Boys, fellow Officers and others around me. I’ve asked for wisdom to hopefully be a good mentor and a steadfast friend.

However, I know I am not alone in wanting to make a difference in the lives of others.

Today, I wonder how many of you see a generation of young Boys who need friends and mentors to become Men of True Christian Character? Have you wondered whether a young, playful, smart-mouthed 12-year-old Boy could one day give up his own time and energy to see other young, playful, smart-mouth Boys become fine young gentlemen? Would you have thought, 14 years later, he has gladly traded his Blues to wear a white Officers’ uniform, and share his testimony with you?

You would be surprised to know: One mentor, one person, can change a life forever – just like that Officer on my first day in BB. Will you be that person?

It’s all right if you don’t know how to do drill very well – but can you be a good and willing friend? It’s all right if you don’t play musical instruments – but are you willing to talk honestly about your faith? It’s all right if you don’t have years of prior experience in the BB – can you spare a few hours a week?

Will you pray for our Mighty Band of Brothers?

Will you join the great parade of the Boys Brigade – as a volunteer, as an instructor, as an Officer?

All it takes is the courage to make a difference.

One mentor, one person, can change a life forever. I urge you to be that person.

I pray that God will grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change. I pray He will fortify our courage to change the things we can. Above all, I pray that He will grant us wisdom to know the difference.