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The past 30 days have been the most challenging of my 25-year career in human services. Over the years, we have faced many periods of unrest and crisis as a community, as a region, and as a country. But for me, our staff, and the diverse community we serve, the current uncertainty feels untenable. Every ping on my phone evokes fear—what new executive order has been signed? What life-changing program just lost funding? Will it affect my work, my family, or my friends? And most hauntingly, what power do I have to stop or change any of it?
In the midst of this turmoil, a quote by Sharon Larsen appeared on my social media feed: "You don't have the power to make rainbows or waterfalls, sunsets or roses, but you do have the power to bless people by your words and smiles. You carry within you the power to make the world better."
It resonated deeply. While I am acutely aware of what I cannot change at this moment, I am equally aware of the power I hold to make this world better.
Curious about the woman behind the quote, I looked up Sharon Larsen and discovered she was a leader in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This connection struck me because the LDS Church was one of the first private contributors to our refugee resettlement efforts during Operation Allies Welcome. Since then, they have continued to generously support our work, providing life-changing resources to those in need. Their support is not only tangible but also a powerful reminder that unity and compassion transcend religion, culture, and nationality.
This quote, and the thread that connects us, reminds me that even in the most challenging times, each of us has the power to bring goodness into the world.
Let us all harness that power for good!
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