“To attain happiness in another world we need only to believe something, while to secure it in this world we must do something.” -C.P. Gilman

I guess when you read the same quotation twice within days of each other, it means something. And it was this quote from Charlotte Perkins Gilman that I had in my mind as I toured the Family Shelter here in Columbia this week. (http://columbiafamilyshelter.org) They are recruiting board members and a few people, most notably my banker Rhonda Hughey, think I might be a valuable member. I’m still considering it as I don’t take these responsibilities lightly.

Now before you start thinking that I’ve gone all touchy-feely somewhere over the rainbow I’ll poke you with the pointed advice of Ann Radcliffe: “One act of beneficence, one act of real usefulness, is worth all the abstract sentiment in the world.” In other words, “No one wants to hear what you believe. We’re watching. Show us.” I couldn’t have said that better myself.

Talk is cheap. Actions, even small actions, relentless actions, committed actions are the signature of people who change the world. (more…)