What Does It Take to Change the World?
Updated: Sep 30, 2022
When I was asked and said, “Yes,” to serving on the Board of Directors of The Multi-Assistance Center at Morgan’s Wonderland (The MAC), I first really understood what I was signing up for when I heard a statement in a meeting. I paused to take it in:
“We are out to change the World!”
“What did the leadership just say?” I asked myself.
It suddenly took root in my heart.
Beyond all of the catchy descriptions of what is obviously exploding over near Morgan’s Wonderland, I was gripped by a deeper sense of commitment in that one moment. The leadership’s life-changing vision of a world dedicated to inclusion gripped me. I paused because I realized that I wasn’t thinking big enough in my desire to advocate in this space. In that moment, something inside of me sparked my passion to see and serve the “unseen” more significantly.
Chris and I recently toured all three floors of The MAC where each and every hallway, clinic desk and therapy space was designed specifically for individuals with disabilities and special needs like our Robert. Bright, beautifully painted walls and touchless, automatic doors greeted us as we were escorted through much of the 165,000-square-foot facility full of thoughtful, caring acts of inclusion. While this “Inclusion City” is being developed at Morgan’s, a fresh glimmer of hope is being renewed in me.
Through tears and frequent glances at each other, Chris and I cried together at the thought of this new structure. This is a place where our Robert could have flourished for many of his medical and nonmedical visits. The expansive therapy space alone might have been his greatest joy! Every piece of therapy equipment we saw in those rooms was state of the art.
So what do I do with that spark? What does it take to change the world? Seriously, words are cheap. What do I have to give? Well, honestly I would give my last breath for my precious Robert to have had more time to play at Morgan’s Wonderland and be cared for at The MAC. I only know that I have the opportunity to advocate for the next family … one child … one young adult … one adult at a time. Many of you know the passion of which I speak. For me, it will take my personal understanding of the hardships facing the community I desire to serve, and an authentic passion for reaching beyond my own circles to dare to believe God cares deeply for the inclusion community.
Let me set the record straight as you may think I have swallowed the “Kool-Aid” called the Morgan’s Inclusion Initiative. And you would be correct; I have! But, if you were parched and thirsty like so many families have been, you would drink it, too? Do not be surprised by what you hear and see about The MAC in the coming years. We are changing the World of Inclusion!
You have a rare opportunity to change the world with us. I am not speaking as a board member. I am speaking as a mom of a child — one whose son has passed away due to his very rare medical complexities. There is no more time for him. But please understand this is what Robert’s legacy and our family’s advocacy is all about. A theme park, sports complex, camp, and “one-stop shop” for medical and non-medical services is long overdue. We will need you as we make this a priority.
Join us on this journey. A world changer is all I want to be. I am thirsty. How about you?
Check out the amazing new facility: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70DibGOtcLY
Listening Library: Legacy (Nichole Nordeman)
“13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14 NIV)
Legacy
I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me
And I enjoy an accolade like the rest
And you could take my picture and hang it in a gallery
Of all the who's-who's and so-and-so's
That used to be the best at such and such,
It wouldn't matter much.
I won't lie, it feels alright to see your name in lights,
We all need an 'Atta boy' or 'Atta girl'
But in the end I'd like to hang my hat on more besides
The temporary trappings of this world.
I want to leave a legacy,
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love?
Did I point to you enough?
To make a mark on things
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace
Who blessed your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy.
I don't have to look too far or too long awhile
To make a lengthy list of all that I enjoy
It's an accumulating trinket and a treasure pile
Where moth and rust, thieves and such
Will soon enough destroy.
I want to leave a legacy … (repeat chorus)
Not well-traveled, not well-read
Not well-to-do, or well-bred.
Just want to hear instead,
Well done, good and faithful one
I want to leave a legacy … (repeat chorus)
Songwriters: James Newton Howard
Legacy lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
