What can I do?

So today is blog action day.  The idea is that bloggers around the world all post today about poverty.

I thought for quite a bit before I signed up to this.  Not because I didn't believe in the idea but I guess because I didn't believe in myself.  My hesitation was all down to insecurity.  Surely my blog is too insignificant,  my readership is too small,  who am I to take this on?

To be honest,  this is my dilemma whenever I think about some of our worlds big problems like poverty,  global inequality, the environment...  The issues just seem so big, so complex that anything I do feels tokenistic.

But the more I've thought about it, the more I've realised that my seeming insignificance is a big fat lie.  Sure, issues of global trade, debt and justice are massively complicated and I don't pretend to understand them very well.  But I can still do something and my little action can be part of a larger change.

I can't help but look at the whole issue from my Christian perspective.  The man I follow said that his kingdom was like a mustard seed.  It started small but grew big and powerful.  Within Jesus' parable lies hope for anyone who has ever wanted to tackle poverty but felt powerless.  My little acts of hope, resistance or love can join with other people's and grow.

I'm starting to see myself not as small and insignificant but as powerful and capable.  I am not able to bring about transformation on my own,  but can be part of conversations, communities and movements that together lead to change.

I thought it might be fun if I turned things over to you now.  What are you doing to challenge poverty?  Why not tell me your small mustard seed ideas,  and be confident that they will grow. 
Related article:  88 Ways to DO Something About Poverty Right Now
technorati: blog action day 2008