Making a difference and supporting those who do so

What a great idea! What a great event!
I am wearing both my reporter’s cap and my editor’s cap for this column because I think the company would agree with me when I say the Difference Makers program we initiated this year in Clay County is just a tremendous thing for our community.
Why?
Because it points us all in the right direction. That direction is to make our community a better place and not wait for George to do it.
I read a piece in a church newsletter one time that said, “People say, let George do it. Guess what? George is getting tired!”
It takes everyone to do our part if Clay County is going to be all we know it can be.
I am reminded of Exodus 17 in the Bible where the Israelites were at war. When Moses raised his staff above his head, the Israelites advanced. When Moses arms grew tired and his hands lowered, the enemy advanced.
Finally, two men propped up Moses’ arms until victory was won.
Not everyone can be a “Moses” and not everyone is fit for “battle” but everyone can support those who are leading and directly serving in the effort to make Clay County everything we want it to be.
As publisher Chris Pruett said at the banquet Thursday night, newspapers report bad news but we also report good news.
Maybe the more good news there is, positive acts performed by people trying to strengthen our community, the less bad news there will be to report.
By honoring those who are truly making a difference, I have to believe The Brazil Times is also making a difference in our community.
By the way, all 11 finalists received gifts, as did John Moore, who an independent panel of judges individually chose as our Difference Maker of the Year.
All of our finalists will receive:
• Bowling passes from Brazilian Lanes.
• A book from Pam Fischer titled “You Are Special” by Max Lucado.
• A coupon for a Be Nice, Be Kind for a T-Shirt.
• A goodie bag from The Brazil Times.
Our Difference Maker of the Year will receive:
• From The Brazil Times; A free three-day, two-night stay for four anywhere in the U.S. The trip includes two nights in a hotel, breakfast, and you can also snow ski or play golf if that’s available.
• Bowling pass and two certificates for dinner from Brazilian Lanes.
• Mary Kay items from Jennifer Mosteller.
• A planter box from Kaylee McCollum, owner of Shabby Girl.
• A gift certificate from Lynch’s Garden Center.
• A gift certificate from Brazil Coffee Grounds.
• A gift certificate from Big Willy’s Lakehouse.
• Two free Blizzards from Dairy Queen.
• A free pizza from Alabama Bar & Grill.
• A grilling gift basketball from Great Dane.
• An engraved cup from McCullough’s Engraving.
• A round of golf and cart rental from Forest Park Golf Course.
• Two free haircuts from Timberman’s Barber Shop.
• Hair products from Braiden Rains.
• A bag of coffee from Perk Me Up Coffee, owner Natalie Cassidy.
I can say this: It was a real blessing when in 2001 we had the privilege of moving to Brazil. This is our home, now. Clay County is your home, too.