Last week I wrote about how the homeless in my city have inspired me. Let me tell you about someone else who has done that.
Not long ago Chris Rosati was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, an illness given much press by the recent ice bucket challenge so many are taking. It is a devastating illness. Several years ago I watched it ravage a friend’s body and end his life.
I don't know but imagine Chris Rosati may have struggled mightily when he learned his fate, but I am inspired by what he has gone on to do. First, he made known a dream he had to give away 1000 Krispy Kreme donuts to people all over his town of Raleigh, North Carolina. The Krispy Kreme folks got wind of his idea and helped Chris make it happen.
Now Chris has gone on to organize something he calls BIGG--Big Ideas for the Greater Good. In a nutshell, this is a program to encourage young people to start what Chris calls an “epidemic of kindness.” He knows he may not be around much longer, but he still believes he can make a difference.
When given bad news, we can let it knock us into a pit of despair or we can find in it an opportunity to do something we may never have thought of doing. From ALS to BIGG--that’s a real mind change. Thank you, Chris. I want to promote your epidemic. This is something we all need to catch.
You, Lord, keep my lamp burning;
my God turns my darkness into light. (Psalm 18:28)
You, Lord, keep my lamp burning;
my God turns my darkness into light. (Psalm 18:28)
Thank you for your mindchange post! I'm always so grateful to read them and gain a new heart. May I ask if chris has a webpage? I work with teens and am always in search of ways to make this happen.
ReplyDeleteSorry, Katie. I have only read about him and my own search for a Web site for his group came up empty.
ReplyDeleteThank you tom. That's a bummer but I'm sure as he builds his outreach one will come! I'll keep an eye out for it!
DeleteHi Tom,
ReplyDeleteBelow is a link to a CBS News segment about Chris Rosati:
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/als-patient-sets-out-to-spread-an-epidemic-of-kindness/
The other below is a link to Inspiremedia and the BIGG challenge
http://inspiremedianetwork.org/student-challenge/
One more the Facebook Page for the Krispy Kreme Heist
https://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Krispy-Kreme-Heist/175414969321748
I am a counselor in Texas and often talk about Post Traumatic Growth--When people are inspired, as a result of a traumatic life event, to do something for the greater good of mankind. Chris Rosati is an example of this kind of growth.
You, Tom, and your writings about Mind Change, are another great example of this kind of growth--I thank God that you have faced the challenges of your illness and have shared the ways that God has inspired you to fight the good fight of the faith. I have shared some of your writings with my patients.
Thanks for living out Philippians 4:4-8! I am thankful for you!
Amen Tom. I will always cherish your book Mind Change. I moved in with my Dad a year ago he has ALS and it is hard to see him decline in his body, he can only eat pureed food and his drinks need thickener. He walked away from God (when he could walk) I am praying he will turn back to God. Our Heavenly Father and Jesus our LORD and Savior. Thanks brother.
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