In the wake of the horrific tragedy of Sandy Hook Elementary school, I am left contemplating why opening fire in public places and killing innocent people is becoming more prevalent and what needs to change in this country, and world. I don’t believe there is one simple answer, but many, complex, multi-layered answers. Better and more accessible mental health programs are definitely needed. More education about mental illness and how to recognize it? Absolutely. Stricter gun control? Yep. More compassion and love for those who appear different? You bet. It’s times like these, when we are barraged with tragedy and violence, that we forget how much good is still in the world.

This morning as I was quickly skimming my Facebook Newsfeed, trying to avoid any mentions of Sandy Hook, as it’s just too painful, I ran across a beautiful story of an 8-year old girl I have been following for months. Her name is Vivienne Harr, and this spring, while visiting an art gallery in Sonoma, CA, she learned that slavery is still alive in the world. She said “On May 5, 2012, I saw a picture of two child slaves with big rocks strapped across their little heads. To feel better, they were holding hands. I was terrified. Not by them–because they are just like me–but by the lives they live. It hurt my heart. I decided to ‘make a stand’ and sell my clean, pristine ‘lemon-aid,’ every day, rain or shine, to end child slavery. My goal is to raise enough money to free 500 child slaves!”

http://www.lisakristine.com/modern-day-slavery/

Most children probably would have forgotten about it by time they got home, but not Vivienne. She has spent the past 177 days straight, rain or shine, “not” selling her lemon-aid, because people can’t be sold, so her lemon-aid won’t be either. Instead, she merely asked for donations. Some donated 50 cents, others $50 dollars or even thousands! She has been on many TV programs and even spent this last week (not) selling her lemon-aid in Times Square in NYC! Yesterday, December 16th, 2012, she exceeded her goal of raising $150,000 to free 500 slaves! Vivienne says, “When I thought of doing this, I didn’t think of all the excuses why I couldn’t. I thought of all the reasons why I must.” (Get out the Kleenex!) Her goal for 2013 is to (not) sell One-Million bottles of lemon-aid! It is currently being bottled to be (not) sold in stores around the country!

Every time I think of this beautiful soul, I am covered with goosebumps. There are not enough words to describe what an incredibly powerful, intelligent, selfless child she is, not to mention her amazingly supportive family.

Vivienne is making a difference in the world by taking a stand, sending her love out into the world, and letting it shine. You and I may not have much power over health care or gun laws, but we have power in the ways we use the love and compassion inside of us. It’s up to US. Every single one of us. I don’t mean we should all sell lemonade for 177 days straight, but maybe just a simple smile and “hello” to the homeless person you pass on the street, instead of avoiding eye contact, would give hope. Or maybe buy them something to eat. Maybe it means donating money to a special cause in the name of a loved one for Christmas instead of purchasing an expensive gift. We might not be able to make a difference for every single person, but each person we touch, will in return touch someone else, therefore, making a difference in the world. The Butterfly Effect tells us that a butterfly flapping its wings in China, can cause a tornado in New York. In other words, the energy we put out in the world will multiply, creating waves of similar energy. Will we send waves of anger, hatred, blame and violence, or will we choose to consciously send waves of love, compassion, responsibility and help to others. Which will you choose?

“Mother Theresa was one person. Gandhi was one person. Why can’t you be one person?” ~Vivienne Harr

 

To learn more about Vivienne and her mission, visit:

Her Story

Make-a-Stand Facebook Page

Donate to Make-a-Stand Lemon-Aid