One Starfish at a Time: Making a Difference in Someone’s Life Today

You’ve probably heard the story. A young boy is walking along a beach covered in thousands of starfish washed up by the tide. He picks them up, one by one, and throws them back into the ocean.

A man passing by says, “Why bother? There are too many starfish. You can’t possibly make a difference.”
The boy picks up another starfish, tosses it into the waves, and replies, “I made a difference to that one.”

That’s how it is with people. You and I can’t solve every problem. We can’t reach every hurting heart. But we can make a difference to someone today. And often, it’s the smallest gestures that matter the most.

Small Acts, Big Impact

It doesn’t take much. Send a quick text to someone you’re thinking about. Ask how their day is going. Share an encouraging scripture verse. Even if they’re not a believer, a kind word still carries weight.

It’s not a grand program or a massive campaign,  it’s one human being choosing to reach out to another.

I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately. Someone in our church,  someone who had friends, who smiled, who looked “okay” on the outside,  took her own life. It’s shaken me. Depression and despair are often invisible. We don’t always know who’s struggling. But what if, just once a day, each of us decided to reach out?

Imagine 300 million people in America taking 30 seconds to check on someone. Imagine the difference it would make if each of us reached just one person today.

Words That Save Lives

I remember hearing a story about a man dealing with suicidal thoughts. He asked a friend whose father had died by suicide when he was 12, “How long did it take to get over it?”

The friend replied, “Get over it? I’ve never gotten over it. It’s with me every day of my life.”

That single, honest statement was enough to push the man to get professional help and start medication. One person’s words literally saved another’s life.

Be the One

You don’t have to have all the answers. You don’t need to be a counselor or a pastor. Just be present. Just be kind. Just check in. God works through the small, faithful things.

So today, pick up your “starfish.” Send the text. Make the call. Say the prayer. Share the verse. One small action may be the thing God uses to change a life.

Because to that one person, you’ll make all the difference.

Five Simple Ways to Reach Out Today

1. Send a Text or Message – “Hey, you’ve been on my mind. How are you doing today?”

2. Share a Verse or Quote – Try something like Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.”

3. Make a Call – If someone crosses your mind, don’t ignore it. God may be prompting you.

4. Offer a Simple Kindness – Buy a coffee, hold a door, smile. You never know the weight someone’s carrying.

5. Pray for Someone by Name – Even if they never know it, your prayer might be the lifeline that God uses.

A Final Thought

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
— Galatians 6:9

Prayer:

Lord, open my eyes today to the people around me who are hurting, lonely, or struggling. Give me the courage to reach out, even in small ways. Use my words, my kindness, and my actions to show Your love. Help me to remember that every life matters to You — and that even one small act of compassion can change a heart forever. Amen.