Is Your Light Under The Bushel?

“This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine!”     By Harry Dixon Loes

While things are moving along at the Copey Learning Center, I find time to to look back at older Posts I prepared. Normally, I do not take the time to do this but when I do, I find I have some interesting reactions.

First, several Posts are hardly recognizable to me. I am not certain what the inspiration was that brought about some of the thoughts I shared. Other Posts indicate my strong appreciation for the support and encouragement many “Friends” provide. The most astounding revelations from reading past Posts pertain to those accounts of “Friends” who seem to capture the full spirit and intent of “Friends of Copey”. Although I sincerely believe all “Friends” share in the successes of our efforts, a few “Friends” have created “ripples in the pond” that have caused significant results.

This past week I came across the Post dated September 25, 2017, titled “You Cause Ripples”. The Post included the quote; “Everything we do, even the slightest thing we do, can have a ripple effect and repercussions that emanate…”

I do not expect anyone will remember this Post but you can locate it in the archives. But, I am certain some remember Jane Rutledge. As a retired educator, Jane decided to volunteer as a teacher at the Copey Learning Center. Make no mistake, Jane is not a life spectator but a fearless life doer.

Whenever I am asked what exactly is “Friends of Copey?”, there are plenty of ways I can respond. But, there is no response as crystal clear and as complete as my five minute commentary about Jane. If you have not read any of the Posts covering September thru December 2017, I invite you to do so. Her story is unique and amazing.

And, it would be a serious mistake to think Jane’s “ripple effect” has been limited to the Copey community’s kids and adults. Her “ripple effect” has expanded to her family and hundreds of Jane’s dedicated followers who love and admire her. 

Jane’s son John and daughter-in-law Paula took time to travel to Copey to visit Jane and the community. They witnessed first-hand the work of the Copey Learning Center. She and her family enjoyed some vacation time with her family doing some wild things in Costa Rica. Can you imagine the magical and memorable experience this must have been for them all?

Even today, Jane has continued her support and service as one of “Friends” most devoted supporters. She is among those hosts waiting on the “Pathway Project” students from Copey to arrive in America and show up at Emory & Henry College.

So Let The Little Light Shine!

As we enjoy knowing we have been and continue to be strong and positive supporters of the Copey Learning Center, we should not ignore or overlook the fact our sphere of influence or the range of the “ripple effects” goes far beyond the Copey community.

By now each “Friend of Copey” should know that one person can “make a difference”. So, don’t sit back and think you cannot have an impact on a need somewhere. While Jane Rutledge is both special and unique, there are other “Friends” who have caused and continue to cause “ripples”.

During Jane’s time at the Copey Learning Center, she taught her young students the song, ” This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine!”

This says it all!