A few years ago I had lunch with Kirk Cameron and asked him about his future. He said he wanted to combine his evangelist work with his acting career in television and film. I told him that someday he was probably going to have to choose between the two. He said didn’t think that would be the case but it was certainly something to consider.

I thought that as serious he was about his ministry and as bold as he was in talking about it, that sooner or later, he was going to have a head on collision with his liberal Hollywood peers. Well the collision happened a few days ago.

Piers Morgan on Piers Morgan Tonight asked Kirk’s view on same sex marriage and Kirk answered. He said, “Marriage is almost as old as dirt, and it was defined in the garden between Adam and Eve. One man, one woman for life till death do you part. So I would never attempt to try to redefine marriage. And I don’t think anyone else should either.”
Great answer and thanks, Kirk, for expressing what millions of us believe. He also said that he believed homosexuality was not a natural lifestyle. Well there again, thanks Kirk for expressing what millions of us believe. Now remember, he didn’t start the discussion, he was asked the question. But the Entertainment set has gone ballistic. Joy Behar on the view said, “He just should Shut up.” Well why should he shut up? Kirk has a right to his view and he has a right to publicly express it. It’s known as freedom of expression.

Roseanne Barr, the profane comedian wrote “Cameron is an accomplice to murder with his hate speech.” Now that’s the kind of absurd, over the top stuff you say to shut down free expression. But Kirk has also gotten incredible support and I’m among them. Thanks for saying what you believe Kirk. Hopefully it will inspire other Christians to do the same. Not in hate, but in firm belief. In spite of the ugly labels hung on you.
Thanks for joining me and whatever you do, keep showing up.

We all want our lives to count for something. But a lot of people, you may be among them, think it’s beyond their grasp -they don’t think they have enough to offer. Don’t underestimate yourself. You do have something to offer and making a difference is easier than you think. Let me give you a couple of examples that will get you thinking.

I flunked speech in my freshmen year in high school, a combination of lack of confidence and a teacher who should have picked another profession. But the next year I signed up for another speech course, this time taught by an incredible teacher who loved teaching and cared about students. Jack Gilbert saw potential in me and took time to develop it. I made an “A” in speech that year and was the MC for the school assemblies. It also led to dramatic arts and communications studies in college, as well as my public ministry. Jack Gilbert’s simple act of caring helped set the course for my life.

The second example is an organization called CASA (Court Appointed Special advocates) of which I’m a board member. CASA has 200 well-trained volunteers who represent 500 abused and neglected children in the court system. It’s not easy working in a complex, rigid court system with kids who are emotionally scarred, scared and angry. But imagine the positive influence these volunteers can have in the lives of children who desperately need someone who genuinely cares, standing beside them. A good percentage of the volunteers are retiree’s who want add meaning to their retirement years.

In both examples, making a difference began with a simple act of caring enough to reach out and touch a life. And that’s something we all can do. So why not find your place and jump right in. You’ll be amazed at how meaningful your life can become.

Thanks for joining me and whatever you do, keep showing up.