There is Always Something You Can Do (Amie Stone King)

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Phil 4:13

"Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."
Matthew 17:20

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There is always something you can do.

Such a simple statement but one that we often forget after watching or reading about the discouraging problems in our world. Most modern citizens are global thinkers, connected through the world-wide web. Gone are the days when we saw only the needs of our neighbors and those closest to us. The circle has expanded to include seemingly insurmountable issues on all continents. Stress levels have grown and are affected by these international matters, as highlighted in the April issue of Global News, This is the state of stress in 2018. How do we relieve this pressure? What steps will allow us to see that even with these macro problems, our small, insignificant-feeling contributions actually are making a difference. It’s The Tortoise and the Hare philosophy, “Slow and steady wins the race.” Here are three examples of people who embraced this mindset and are making a difference.

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Homemade Hugs for Hurricane Harvey Humans

Edward was about to start second grade last August when Hurricane Harvey blew into town. Even though he lived hours from the coast, his area got lots of wind and rain. As an eager consumer of the news, he watched people lose their homes and all of their belongings. After hearing a man speak at church about taking his boat to Houston to help with rescue efforts, Edward was ready to hitch up the trailer. He was so insistent that his mother began to look for volunteer opportunities for him in the area. They learned that evacuees were staying at McKinney Falls State Park near their home and after much debate, decided that home baked goods would be comforting and something they could make and deliver. Hours of baking later, 122 homemade treat bags were ready. The rangers were happy to welcome Edward and his family into the park and direct them to those displaced by the hurricane. Edward took great joy in visiting with the people and giving them blueberry muffins, pumpkin bread, Rice Krispie treats, and chocolate chip cookies. Hearing their stories made the news reports come to life and sharing his baked goods gave Edward the chance to offer the feel of home to these families.

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Artifacts of Human Trafficking

This is my own project. Six years ago, I was introduced to the realities of human sex trafficking and its prevalence in Austin. It was horrifying. The more I studied this vile business, the more it became evident I had to do something. Figuring out what was quite a task. With such a large and multi-layered problem, it felt like nothing would really help. One evening sitting in traffic in downtown Austin, a story came to me. This began my call to spread the news about human trafficking through art. The narrative “Sold,” led to the construction of my isolation room and the development of a traveling art show featuring non-graphic depictions of the words, desperation, isolation and deceit. The show has now visited three states and continues to move. What felt like such a small endeavor has brought awareness about sex trafficking to hundreds of people. This exhibit is still available for bookings.

Contact: amie@amiestoneking.com

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