I Still Believe

In 1984 a few weeks before Christmas I heard a song on the radio that would change my world view and inspire me for the rest of my life.  "Do They Know It's Christmastime?" written by Bob Geldoff and and Midge Ure became an anthem for do-gooders and citizens of the world to unite to end the famine in Ethiopia.   The song featured all the coolest musicians and singers united in one super group of the 80s - Boy George, Bono (pre-yellow glasses), Phil Collins, Simon Le Bon, George Michael, Sting, Jodi Watley, Paul Young and the girls from Bananarama and so many more.  It was an instant international battle cry for Christmas: "And in our world of plenty we can spread a smile of joy Throw your arms around the world at Christmastime"

It encouraged listeners to feed the world, change the world, to live a life according to a higher code, to be a force for good. It was the "Imagine" of my generation. I bought that song, a 45 single (I know I am dating myself) to support the cause.  I played it hundreds of times that Christmas, and every Christmas since, and once in a while when I need a reminder that human beings do hold an amount of powerful compassion in our hearts.

Fast forward to 2016, that song came up on my Christmas playlist earlier this week and I realized how impactful those words continue to be to me.   With an uncertain world, more than ever do we "do-gooders" need to stick together, support eachother, help eachother, love eachother.  So here I am, at the end of my first year as the Executive Director of an organization that provides access to clean water to people in Africa and  I am asking you all to:

"Let them Know it's Christmastime."

Please.  Give Water. Give. Life. Give Now.

However you celebrate this holiday season, may you feel joy.

--Linda