Many of us have at least one individual that completely changed the course of our lives through acts of kindness. Heroism exists beyond the wealthy and well-known. It is found in the ordinary people who live alongside us – those who are willing to be lighthouses in a stormy and often unsettled world. These were the stories I told in my new book that takes you from the battlefields of Vietnam, to a love story in India–from the LA Dodgers clubhouse to a quiet Father’s Day in rural Wisconsin.
You’re probably wondering, who are these human lighthouses? What do they do that makes them so impactful? On a weekly basis we cover some of these stories of real people making a big impact on their communities-and in doing so they help us find our more common story. Amy Schweizer
The Tiny Troops Soccer toddler program was developed by Amy Schweizer, a Danville local and military wife. Tiny Troops Soccer is a program for children that are in the age of two to five who live near military installations across 17 states and overseas. Her goal is to help lay a foundation for these children and teach them to be coachable as they grow older. “As a military spouse for 11 and a half years to an active-duty marine, it’s very hard to find employment, especially when we were stationed overseas,” Schweizer explained. “So, I really felt the desire to still work and be in the sport that I love and have played, which is soccer. Also, I had two boys at the time, now three. So it’s really important to get them outside, being active, moving and socializing with other kids. Thus, Tiny Troops Soccer was born.”
Schweizer’s hope is to guide these children through the stress that deployment can bring.
Aleighna Stempien-Smith
Aleighna Stempien-Smith is a teen who works as an office manager with Movement BE, a nonprofit which seeks to empower young people through poetry, storytelling, and social and emotional learning. She was inspired by a speaker at her school when she was a freshman in high school who talked about how young people should embrace their true identities and make smart, healthy decisions which help them achieve their goals and purpose.
Aleighna says, “My passion is to guide youth that I have a personal connection with, understanding what they go through on a day-to-day basis. Being able to work with this organization at such a young age is a wonderful opportunity that I’m thankful for.”
Recently, Movement BE opened up an after-school program, weekend family events, and has partnered with the San Diego school district. Aleighna saw an opportunity to help others and she took it. She said, “Not everyone has a person that they can confide in, so if I have the strength and knowledge to become a light or mentor to someone, I will happily fulfill that role within my community.”
Earl Granville
Earl Granville is no stranger to adversity. He’s a former military infantryman who joined after the 9/11 attacks. He went on to serve nine years in the Army National Guard and had deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. While on his last tour, Granville lost part of his leg due to a roadside bomb. His two other colleagues were unfortunately killed. His brother, Joe, took his own life while on active duty in 2010.
Granville knows what it means to experience struggle. In order to help others, he is now a motivational speaker who teaches others how to handle large and small moments of adversity. He gives people the tools they need to redefine their minds and prepare them to see life in a new light. Most recently, he gave a talk at Boonsboro High School for Veterans Day.
Do you have a Lighthouse you want to thank?
Human Lighthouses are often humble, steady, and seek no reward. That is why they should be honored that much more. If you have a Lighthouse you want to thank, go to lighthouseeffectcertificate.com and fill in their information. A thank you certificate with a special message of recognition will be sent to them that includes their name, your name, and is signed by The Lighthouse Effect author Steve Pemberton.
Lighthouse Effect Thought of The Week
Even small actions or words can completely change someone's mindset. If you see a little opportunity, take it even if it may not seem like a big deal.
The Lighthouse Effect is the idea that any of us - immersed in the hustle and bustle of our lives, wrestling with our own ambitions and imperfections - can pause, and change the arc of the life of another-and find one for ourselves.
See a video about The Lighthouse Effect below
Get your copy of the Lighthouse Effect Here: lighthouseeffectbook.com