This following article is a guest post from my good friend and possibly the most encouraging woman I know, Chris Carter. 
Compassion is a powerful thing. It is the foundation for all good things and giving. It is the engine that starts the drive toward movement and mobilization of change and making a difference. I have yet to see a ministry or mission without the launching ground of compassion.
Think about it.
Every organization and business and philanthropic mission is based on the desire to attend to the needs of others. Oh, there is so much need out there in this world, and I absolutely love Jennifer’s ability to find so many people and places that give and make that difference in this world!
It seems humanity is getting colder, harder, and more extreme, doesn’t it? I for one am so grateful for all those courageous and generous souls that use their compassion to mobilize change and offer relief and aid in so many desperate conditions around the globe.
And although I do my best to give and make my own little difference within my community and try to take bold steps to reach further and drop my little coins into the big vast bucket to be filled…
It always feels like I just don’t do enough. I can do better; give more of my time and my heart that seems to be pulled in a million different directions. But doing something is better than nothing.
I believe this space is simply for that purpose. (Yes?)
I may not be powerful, leading an army of people toward relief from famine, or saving lives on battlefield grounds or lifting oppression with hopes to rectify it all. But I CAN do SOMETHING.
It takes countless “little ol’ me’s” dropping our little coins in that boundless bucket, signing on for what is in our reach and supporting those who bravely travel the world taking on the endless fight against atrocities and evil, in any small way we can. And perhaps? Raising our voices to promote good things is one simple way to do just that.
Every tiny little itty bit counts for something.
It takes a village. Every single soul in the village is significant.
One voice can inspire One Thousand voices for something powerful. One burdened heart can connect One Thousand burdened hearts and challenge multitudes to reach the world with a message.
It happens.
And there is one mission that has been set ablaze in the blogosphere right this very minute…because of one heart that spoke about the desperate need for compassion.
And another jumped in with the passion and burden to do something.
An idea was born and is currently being fulfilled. Rapid fire. Spreading across the globe with a furry of fierce conviction and commitment. The call was made, and people are answering the call.
Oh it’s incredible when something like this occurs, isn’t it?
It started with my beloved friend Lizzi Rogers, who wrote this post about the need for compassion and the chilling reality of the absence and emptiness of help for so many who are struggling.
You simply must read her raw and real words HERE.
Then came a dear friend, Yvonne stirred by the post and passionate about Lizzi’s plea… she offered an idea.
Just an idea.
But you see, when something of this nature is shared, people show up. People who want to do SOMETHING and yet, they don’t know how or where to start.
This is surely something. And this is a place to start.
1,000 voices speak for compassion is a platform that simply unites all people around the world to share their hearts and their own voice with hopes to unite us all under one word… one goal…one beautiful and purposeful mission.
Spread compassion.
Because compassion moves people. It ignites a desire to shift our perspective and change the lens from which we see… it begs us to dive deeper into our own communities or perhaps stretch farther out of our comfort zones to do something, anything that can make a difference in someone’s life for the better.
Would you hop on board? Share your voice? Honor this word and drop your heart into this beautiful and bountiful bucket that is free and worthy of good? If you have a presence anywhere on the World Wide Web stage…
Would you join us?
On February 20th, the goal is for 1,000 people to share awareness of compassion in their own unique way. Write about what it means to you. There are no guidelines necessary- compassion is seen and felt and acted upon in so many unique ways that there could be no limits set on this assignment.
I think that is the true beauty in this thing. It’s personal. And your one voice can fulfill a greater need.
I believe THAT is what doing good, giving back, and making a difference is all about. Right Jennifer?
(ed. note: Right, Chris! Also, you all know I will be participating in this amazing project.)
Will you join the 1,000 Voices of Compassion on February 20th?
- Like the Facebook page
- Join the Facebook group
- Use the hashtag #1000voices
Let’s all work together to lift this dark world into the light of compassion, for this one day.
Chris Carter is a SAHM of two pretty amazing kids. She has been writing at TheMomCafe.com for almost four years, where she hopes to encourage mothers everywhere through her humor, inspiration and faith.
Each Friday, the another jennifer blog shares stories of those who incorporate philanthropy into their everyday lives – personally and professionally – in a creative and unique way. If you have a story you’d like to share, please contact Jennifer. Read past stories here.
Chris, you darling, incredibly completely sneaky thing! I didn’t know this was in the works! You utter wonder. What a glorious share of this project – thank you SO MUCH!
And Jennifer, thank you HUGE for sharing it and spreading the word 🙂
*Snickers* SO happy you liked it, Lizzi! I do too. It’s all truth, isn’t it? I couldn’t think of a more perfect place to share it, than Jennifer’s blog. I knew she was in this, and I knew she is deep in a book project- so I took it on for her!
(Love you Jennifer. <3 )
What a wonderful idea!
Come and join us Jess! It’s really simple, just write a post about anything related to compassion on Feb 20th. It’s amazing how so many bloggers are coming on board and there is just a beautiful bond that is taking place over in our FB group. We’d LOVE to have you! Head over, and someone will ‘let ya in’. 🙂
Loved seeing Chris here today talking about this huge movement started by Yvonne and am definitely trying to figure a way to be apart. Chris is truly the perfect person to spred this message as she exemplifies the true meaning of compassion on any given day always;)
Janine, I swear you LIGHT my heart UP every time. Oh, how I adore you. Thank you for making my day, dear friend. XOXOXOXOXO
GO 1000 SPEAK!!!
Cant wait to see #1000speak on the road! 🙂 🙂
I am just so thrilled about it all!! The amount of energy and love spilling out of hearts everywhere is AMAZING!!! 1000 SPEAK is about uniting our voices for GOOD. And oh, how I can’t wait to watch it spiral out through the world. 🙂
What a beautiful idea! Thank you for sharing this wonderful idea! Will try to join you on feb 20th.
Leah, you are the PERFECT person to hop on board!! Seriously…. this is right up your alley! Did you join the FB group yet? If not, no worries or pressure! It’s as simple as writing about compassion (anything- perhaps find a quote!!!) on Feb 20th. Share it on the FB page and read and share as many others as you can!
Why do I love this post? Let me count the ways:
1. It’s written by the beautiful (inside and out) and incredible Chris Carter.
2. It’s hosted by the beautiful (inside and out) and incredible Jennifer Iacovelli.
3. It’s about COMPASSION, something our world needs now more than ever. Although it’s always needed it and always will be. That is the human condition.
4. It’s about community and joining forces to better the world.
5. It’s about giving freely of oneself to help others, even those we do not know or have never heard of.
6. Because it’s by two friends, one I’ve met IRL and the other not yet, who inspire, ignite and educate me through their words and deeds.
My day has started off on the right note by reading this post. xoxo
Six reasons why I love this comment so much:
1. It is written by one of the most inspiring woman I have the honor to know.
2. It comes from the most compassionate and caring heart I know.
3. Your words ignite excitement and support and encouragement, always.
4. Your words always have depth, which reveals your powerful voice that comes from adversity, perseverance, and victory.
5. It is genuine and real and born of passion for caring for and carrying others.
6. You always have this ability to dive in with ALL of your heart, and THAT is the very essence of living. Yes?
I adore you. Thank you, You are a GIFT.
Fabulous post. The speed with which this idea has caught on and spread is pretty staggering.
Agreed my new friend!! There is SO much good coming from this, on so many levels- and it’s only just begun really. Thanks for coming by to read this one!
What an absolutely beautiful idea! I have it on my calendar to do a post about compassion on the 20th. I can imagine that this will quickly grow to more than 1000 people. Thank you for sharing, Chris, and wonderful seeing you on Jen’s blog!
Thanks so much Bev!! We are soooo close to 1000 in under two weeks!! Yeah, it’s gonna be a much bigger crowd come February! SO glad you are on board. 🙂
I love this! I read Lizzi’s post and watched the whole idea grow like wonderful wildfire.
I’m so, so in.
I don’t even know what I’ll write. But I’ll give it the ole gusto.
Last year was a rough year for me. I really had to learn to not only show compassion towards others but also myself, which inspired me to be more compassionate towards others. Don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t going around hating everyone. My problems started from within me and it negatively affected those around me. Compassion is the grounding for human beings. I always say humans thrive on compassion and community.
Interesting as this issue focuses, fears are an obstacle to the freedom and power to live life in full force!