A Day at the Capital

Last year, I was selected by American Mother's Inc. as the Young Mother of the Year for the state of Oklahoma. It was a great honor and an experience I'll never forget. Part of the experience includes a red carpet day at the state capital recognizing that years honoree. My big day was April 4, 2011. I was introduced to the House of Representatives and the Senate. I got to speak on the floor of the House and was presented with a proclamation from the state. I even met the Governor!

April 2 was the day at the capital for this years honoree. As the reigning Young Mother of the Year, it was my job to introduce the new honoree so I was in attendance. Since I wasn't the central focus this year, I was able to sit back and observe the event. As I sat in the audience, I quickly took note that the majority of those in attendance were what many would consider "upper class society." Many were from prominent families or leaders in their respective fields. In fact, the Young Mother of the Year this year is the daughter of an ex-Oklahoma governor. In the audience were wives of senators, ex-first ladies, Justice League members, presidents of organizations, etc. etc. Oklahoma's own Governor, Mary Fallin, is a supporting member. The American Mother's organization is certainly wrought with women of prestige.

The next thing that came to mind was how in the world had I become part of this group? How in the heck was I ever selected as Young Mother of the Year? I didn't run in these circles. I'm not from a prominent family or a leader in my field. I'm just a small town, middle class girl who's claim to fame is being the mother of two precious kids. Then it dawned on me. I was a leader in my field! Don't you see? My chosen field IS motherhood. My greatest achievement in this life is being a mom. I have dedicated my life to the cause. The very fact that I was selected as the Young Mother of the Year by an organization of such prestige suddenly became a testament to me that perhaps I really was a good mom. I had been judged by my merits alone. It hadn't mattered that I wasn't from money or power!

How often does that happen in life? How many people get the chance to be judged on their merits alone and not on how much they have or who they know? As I sat in that audience, it occurred to me that we all need a chance in our lives to feel as if we matter in this world. More often than not, the two things that separate us from our fellow man are geography and circumstance. Take the average person born in America vs. someone born in Uganda Africa. The geography of their births usually means the difference between living a free and comfortable life vs. living a life in extreme poverty and oppression. What about a child that is born into a loving home vs. a child born into substance abuse and violence? Which one do you think would have the best chance for a bright future?

How can this possibly be right? Is one person more valuable and precious than the other? Should geography and circumstance define the importance of a human life?

I would like to challenge everyone to think about what we can do as members of humanity to even the scales. What if we all joined together to right these wrongs? Can you imagine that kind of world? Where geography and circumstance did not have to mean suffering and dread. Oh what a joyous day that would be!

What can you do to make a difference? Remember, you don't have to change the whole world. The thought of one person doing that alone is quite daunting. Instead, think about how you might help just one person today. Maybe it could be by volunteering at a local food bank or sponsoring an impoverished child through organizations like World Vision or Compassion.

The question is not merely... "How will you make a difference today?"

The question is... "Will you make a difference today?"