P.S. from Lauren, for February 23, 2025

Rev. Staci’s talk this past Sunday has inspired many of us to ask ourselves, “What is mine to do that is within my power and is in my nature?” There are so many issues that are seemingly screaming for our attention. It can feel so overwhelming that we may feel impotent to do anything. As a mental health clinician, I have spent the last several weeks counseling clients who are in distress to find things that speak to them and do something. It doesn’t have to be big, but the fact that they take a step to better their life and the lives of others is personally empowering and clinically beneficial. I first share the starfish story with my clients so they can see there is nothing too insignificant to be meaningful. For those who don’t know it, here is a quick synopsis:

A young girl was walking along a beach where thousands of starfish had been washed up during a terrible storm. When she came to each starfish, she would pick it up and throw it back into the ocean. People watched her with amusement.
She had been doing this for some time when a man approached her and said, “Little girl, why are you doing this? Look at this beach! You can’t save all these starfish. You can’t begin to make a difference!”
The girl seemed crushed, suddenly deflated. But after a few moments, she bent down, picked up another starfish, and hurled it into the ocean as far as she could. Then she looked up at the man and replied, “Well, I made a difference for that one!”
The old man looked at the girl inquisitively and thought about what she had done and said. Inspired, he joined the little girl in throwing starfish back into the sea. Soon, others joined, and all the starfish were saved.

I have enjoyed hearing the unique ways some clients use my suggestions. One person decided to find a local children’s organization to volunteer with. Another client found a climatologist who is a lobbyist to join forces. Another is taking classes to write Op-eds proficiently and planning to submit thoughtful, well-researched articles nationwide. Another is creating content on a social media platform that educates and inspires action by their followers.

The only thing worse than looking around and seeing all sorts of problems is feeling powerless to do anything about it. However, when we do as Rev. Staci recommends and find one thing that matches who we are, we can clear a whole beach of starfish. I am excited to hear what starfish you pick up and throw back into the ocean.’