Leaders play an important role in any society. They're supposed to give direction to the collective, prepare their group for changes in future situations, encourage good behaviour, speak up for the helpless and serve in many other ways. But not everyone can be a leader. We all have different talents and abilities, and due to circumstances these may increase or decrease. But we should never think that we have come to a point where we no longer have a role in the society we belong to.

As followers of Jesus, we are all called to participate in building God's Kingdom wherever we may be. Some contributions to the effort may seem smaller or larger, but everything can be used by God. The apostle Paul describes all Christians as belonging to one Body (1 Corinthians 12:12-26) with Christ as the Head. There are some parts of the body that may be honoured more than other parts, but each is important and has a function. Sometimes we may think we can no longer contribute, but even the little we have can make a huge difference.

Take for example the story of the grannies who are helping AIDS orphans in Africa. Tragically, many adults there who are killed by AIDS leave children behind who are then looked after by their grandparents. In a recent report, Sally Sara, a journalist with the ABC wrote of the Wakefield Grannies. "Ten Wakefield grandmothers paired up with 10 South African grandmothers. The idea was to write letters, raise money and give support." It has turned into a movement which now raises millions of dollars for African grandmothers who are now looking after their orphaned grandchildren.

Sources:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-04-22/canadian-grandmothers-unite-to-help-aids-orphans-in-south-africa/5399308

All brickbats, bouquets and banter welcome at narrominebaptist1@gmail.com