Ordinary Gifts. Extraordinary Impact.

On Fire For Good honoree Amy McMaken reminds us why behind-the-scenes service matters.

Most of us believe making a difference requires something big.

A big platform. A big title. A big personality. A big story.

Trust me, I understand why.

For much of my life, people have introduced me through the lens of having a big story. They know about the burns, the explosion, the hospital rooms, the visits from celebrities, the comeback story, the Hall of Fame baseball, the Hollywood ending. And while I’m grateful my story has encouraged others, I’ve learned something important over the years:

It is rarely the brightest lights or biggest personalities that change the world most profoundly. Far more often and far more importantly, it’s ordinary people quietly choosing to use whatever gifts they have to lift the lives around them.

That’s why I want you to meet Amy McMaken.

Amy is our latest On Fire For Good honoree, though she would probably prefer I stop talking about her right about now. She’s not looking for recognition. She simply believes that if you’ve been blessed, you ought to become a blessing.

And she lives it.

Amy is no celebrity, doesn’t command huge crowds and there’s no documentary about her life.

Amy got her start as a CPA. She served the world through spreadsheets. That may sound ordinary, but her impact has been extraordinary.

For years, Amy has quietly strengthened nonprofits and ministries from behind the scenes: balancing budgets, navigating grants, serving on boards, organizing systems, solving problems, and helping organizations remain healthy enough to continue serving people in need.

One example is Sisters Haven, a home supporting pregnant women facing poverty and instability. Long before families were helped there, Amy was helping with contractor payments, budgets, paperwork, and planning.

The work isn’t glamorous or flashy, but is absolutely essential. And it reminds me of something we desperately need to hear right now:

You do not need a dramatic story to live a meaningful life or to make a mighty difference. You simply need the willingness to utilize your gifts to lift the lives of others.

So, my friends, what is the gift you can share with a world longing for hope?

Maybe your gift is leadership. Maybe it’s encouragement. Maybe it’s listening. Maybe it’s hospitality, organization, teaching, fixing things, building things, coaching kids, mentoring coworkers, or your fantastic homemade chocolate chip cookies.

The world changes every time ordinary people stop asking, “Am I important enough?” and start asking, “How can I help?”

Amy McMaken reminds us that impact is not about fame, but faithfulness. And when we place our gifts, however ordinary they may seem, in service of others, lives change.

Including our own.

Today is your day, my friends.

Live Inspired.