An Envelope

Charles Dickens once said, "No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another."

There are many ways to lighten another person's burdens. Emma Chase provides us with one example. You've never heard of Emma Chase? Neither have most people.

"Fourscore and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal."

Almost every one identifies those words with Abraham Lincoln. He wrote them in the Gettysburg Address.

It is also well known that Abraham Lincoln wrote the Emancipation Proclamation, which freed millions of slaves. According to the November 1995 issue of Missions Today magazine, when Lincoln began to work on the Emancipation Proclamation, he had no paper. So he took an envelope from a lady named Emma Chase. On the back of Emma Chase's envelope, Lincoln outlined the Emancipation Proclamation.

So everyone has heard of Abraham Lincoln, and his great work. Few have heard of Emma Chase. But millions of people were freed, partly because of the help of an unknown, yet significant, woman.

How Does This Apply to Our Lives?

Many people work hard, hoping to accomplishing great things in life. Others become discouraged, and don't even try, because they feel great accomplishments are beyond them. Both groups overlook the fact that there are ways to accomplish great things without doing them yourself.

For example, there is a story in the Bible about a hero few have heard of. His name was Barnabas. Who was Barnabas? After the Apostle Paul became a Christian, church leaders would have nothing to do with him because Paul had been their enemy. Barnabas took Paul to the church leaders and defended him so strongly that Paul was accepted. These actions of Barnabas opened the door for Paul to become the most effective missionary and writer of the early Christian church.

Follow the example of Emma Smith and Barnabas. There are many gifted people who can have a positive impact for Christ on the lives of others, and society, if someone will make an introduction or open the right door. What can you do to help others serve our Lord?

Be the one to spur other believers on---you might accomplish something great!
"Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds."
Hebrews 10:24

If you're interested, there is more information about:
The most important event of all time and
The most important Book of all time.

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Contributed by Rich McLawhorn email:REM@mail01.scdps.state.sc.us