Making a Difference

So since I started this blog about a week ago, I have been debating whether or not I want to have Google put ads on my blog page.  Originally I was against it thinking that it would be the proverbial "sell out".  But since then and after much deliberation, I have decided that I could use the ads as a way to make a difference.  I have talked much about making a difference in our own lives and by thus doing so can then turn outwards towards our community to make a difference.  I myself have dedicated a couple of hours every thursday to volunteer at a soup kitchen in New Haven, feeding the homeless.  This past thursday was a utterly moving experience.  At around 530, the main lady in charge opened the door and the homeless filed in, forming a line before the counter waiting for food.  She then went over the schedule for the week and invited one of them to say a blessing before eating.  A small little lady, little bits of gray stubble speckling her face, adorned on top by a worn wool cap, shot her hand up and immediately started her blessing.  With a suprisingly resonant voice, she was profusely thankful for all the volunteers there, thankful for the food that was donated, thankful simply for the fact that she would have a meal to eat, and expressed concern for all those who could not be there that night.  I was on the verge of tears by the time she ended her blessing, realizing how blessed I was to have a home to sleep in and a warm meal every evening to sustain myself.  Who knows how often these people get a warm place to sleep or a consistent meal.  In any case, I have decided to set up a food drive to bring more food in and to try and help even more.  How does this relate to putting ads on my blog page?  Well, 65 cents of every dollar earned from this page will go towards this soup kitchen.  If I raise enough through the ads, in addition to helping fund the soup kitchen, I will then put the extra money towards the homeless shelters in New Haven, either to help make improvements or simply to provide extra bedding and clothes.  And to be perfectly honest, the other 35 cents will go to myself.  I believe in complete transparency and at the end of the month of March, I will provide a full report of the earnings so the readers of my blog can see what was generated.  Now, I know at times, I will touch on controversial issues in this blog, some depressing, some uplifting, but it will reflect what is going on in the world.  The ads should be up within a few days and I hope that you urge your friends to view my blog and generate some money for the needy.  Together we can make a difference.  Lets step up, step out of comfort zones, and make a change.