There are many versions of the story of a statue of Christ with no hands. I’ve heard one that takes place in France, another that takes place in Korea. In some versions, the statue’s loss of appendages were a casualty of war. Other versions say they were broken off by vandals. In every telling, however, there is a common thread, that the hands were not replaced but rather a plaque was engraved that said: “He has no hands but yours.”

The Brenda Novak on-line auction for Diabetes Research is an excellent example of many hands working together for the good of others. I was only one author who participated.  With everyone working together over $300,000.00 was raised this month in the 6th annual on-line auction for Diabetes Research. Brenda was able to achieve her goal of raising over a million dollars for Diabetes Research – something she couldn’t do on her own.

This weekend I attended a different charity  function: “Hope for the Children” – a Benefit Concert to raise awareness and funds to help the over 50 million orphans in the world. Many of these children have no home, want for food and clothes, and lack the gift of love. American Idol’s Brooke White volunteered her time and talent to provide the headline performance. Twelve young finalists performed as they competed for honor to be the Junior and Senior Ambassador representing Hope for the Children. All of their music was inspiring and well performed. Many organizations were in the hallway outside the Gilbert High School Auditorium representing various adoption agencies, foster programs and individuals offering services or items in support of orphans.

Sharon Slater of Families for Orphans told the starfish story.

The Starfish Story
by Loren Eisley

One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed
a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean.

Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?”

The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean.
The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.”

“Son,” the man said, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish?
You can’t make a difference!”

After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish,
and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said…”
I made a difference for that one.”

Your hands can make a difference.