Stated Boldly: Quotes That Inspire

Author: Rebecca Sutton

There is little doubt that the past few weeks have been tumultuous, regardless of where one falls on the political spectrum. One positive outcome of this heightened national dialogue is that every day seems to deliver a new and compelling reason to get out and volunteer. While serving others or supporting a cause through volunteerism is a personal choice, much has been said and shared over the years concerning the power that comes through service.

The selection of quotes we’ve compiled below inspire and motivate volunteers and staff members across Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area.  We hope they inspire you as well.  Please share your own favorite quote with us in the comments section or on our Facebook page. Let’s see if we can inspire more people to give, love and serve boldly.

“Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth.” —Muhammad Ali

“Real charity doesn’t care if it’s tax-deductible or not.” —Dan Bennett

“Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little.” —Edmond Burke

“We are responsible for the world in which we find ourselves, if only because we are the only sentient force which can change it.” —James Baldwin

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” —Dr. Seuss

“If compassion was the motivating factor behind all of our decisions, would our world not be a completely different place?” —Sheryl Crow
“I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.” —Edward Everett Hale
“May I never get too busy in my own affairs that I fail to respond to the needs of others with kindness and compassion.” —Thomas Jefferson
“I’ve always respected those who tried to change the world for the better, rather than just complain about it.” —Michael Bloomberg

“I choose to rise up out of that storm and see that in moments of desperation, fear, and helplessness, each of us can be a rainbow of hope, doing what we can to extend ourselves in kindness and grace to one another. And I know for sure that there is no them—there’s only us.” —Oprah Winfrey

Please comment with your favorite volunteer or service quote.