“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.” Nelson Mandela
I get to work with some amazing people here in Berkshire County. They have made a commitment to give back to others with the hope of changing that person’s life for the better. You will not see these amazing people’s names up in lights or on the front page of the local newspaper. They do not do this work for recognition. They do it because as Nelson Mandela says, “There can be no greater gift than that of giving one’s time and energy to help others without expecting anything in return.” The opportunity to give someone hope when times seem hopeless is truly the driving force behind what they do every day. I call these community partners the unsung heroes of Berkshire County.
When you watch television or look at the news you are bombarded with the harshness of the world. Things can seem hopeless at times. We can become complacent and through our hands in the air and say I give up. Well, every day I see these unsung heroes out on the streets looking to make a difference. It can be challenging because sometimes the work you put in doesn’t lead to the positive outcomes you hoped for. But every day they keep moving forward with the desire to create a better community for themselves, their family, and all the people in Berkshire County.
“It is in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it.” Nelson Mandela.
We are facing significant challenges that are having an impact on our community. When I am out talking to people or at community events people express concerns about their ability to be able to continue their work. I feel their pain and frustration. Those feelings come from understanding how important their work is to those who have come to depend on them. I wish I had the magic words that would make everything better. It is hard because you do not know what is coming as you turn the next corner. All I can say is this. We keep doing the work. We keep moving forward. We do what we can today because today we can change someone’s life. Today we can give someone hope.
I have quoted Nelson Mandela throughout this post and there is a reason for this. He spent 27 years of his life in prison. When he was released, he was able to change the course of a nation. Even though he was in prison his work continued as he fought for the rights and freedoms for all South Africans. As they continued to try and strip away his dignity and the dignity of all the Black South Africans, he held strong to his dignity and continued his belief that South Africa could change. When I want to give up or life has gotten the best of me, I turn my thoughts to my faith, my mother, and Nelson Mandela.
To the unsung heroes in Berkshire County, I want to say thank you for all that you do. You are a great partner and supporter. Keep up the good work. Know that you make a difference every day.
“You can start changing our world for the better daily, no matter how small the action.” Nelson Mandela
Charles Redd RN
Dignity Freedom Fighter
Dignity Freedom Fighter 