The Ripple Effect

Everyday we have a chance to make a difference.  By following our dreams, using our gifts and abilities to fulfill our purpose, and taking a stand for the things we believe in, we are able to effect change even if the odds are stacked against us.  We don't give up because we think we can't make a difference; rather we press on because we must make a difference.  Our world needs more difference makers!

As a new vegan it is interesting to see how my choice to stop consuming animal products has impacted others. I know that there are few, if any, people who have embraced the vegan lifestyle simply because of the information Joy and I have shared, or because we have chosen to live differently than most of the people we know. Yet I am convinced that we are making a difference in small ways.

Early in our journey, just a few months back, we ran into a fellow vegan at Kroger. I was wearing a vegan t-shirt that caught her eye and started a conversation. That conversation led to her telling us about a vigil the next day, which we attended even though she could not. It was the beginning of a friendship that has resulted in mutual encouragement and in expanding our knowledge of the Save Movement, vegan groups in our area, and opportunities to take a stand against cruelty and injustice to animals. The ripple effect from that random encounter has been profound.

I have received gifts from friends who have shopped for cruelty free alternatives because they know of my choice to buy products not tested on animals.  A good friend brought us a vegan meal the night we volunteered to serve at a dinner where she knew non-vegan food would be served, all because of the ripple effect of our choice to go vegan.

My point in saying this is to encourage those who have chosen this lifestyle to press on in the face of opposition and stay true to your beliefs and convictions.

Even if you are not vegan or fighting for animal rights, there is surely some area of life where you want to see change and make a difference.  You may be working for the pro-life movement or to stop sex trafficking. Perhaps you are concerned about racial discrimination, environmental issues, or eradicating world hunger. Whatever your passion is, dare to make a difference. Commit yourself to the pursuit of peace and a better world. No matter how the odds are stacked against you or how little impact you feel you can have, trust in the ripple effect and know that you are making a difference!

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things" (Philippians 4:8, NIV).  

If ever there was a time to be a peaceful activist, it is now. Stand up for your beliefs and fight for what is right and good. Let your small acts of kindness and compassion start the ripple effect of change for a better world.

Making ripples,

Dee Dee



Copyright 2016 by Dee Dee Wike and Joy Wike. All rights reserved. www.feelingveggiegood.com

Dare to Be Different -- You Won't Regret It!

Recently Joy and I have had a couple of opportunities to share our vegan journey with curious friends.  Having experienced a lackluster response to our blogs and Facebook posts, these conversations were a great encouragement to us.

Being a vegan is not a whole lot different than being a Christ-follower. As much as we want others to believe as we do, some people just aren't open to the good news we have to share about something that could be of great benefit in their lives. Aren't we all that way at times? Intellectually, we read or hear compelling information and see evidence of positive change in the lives of others, but we aren't willing to step out of our comfort zones and be "different" enough to give it a real try.

In this new season of life -- this vegan adventure on which Joy and I have embarked-- a new passion has been ignited to share with others the truth about the many benefits of a whole food, plant-based diet -- not just for better health but for a better world. Having learned about the abuse being perpetrated upon God's creatures because of our human appetites for food, products, and clothing that come from animals, we have joyfully made the choice to live without "good" things in favor of things that are better -- for the animals (life without suffering), the environment (a cleaner world in which to live and raise a family), and our own health and well being.

The thing that puzzles and saddens us is that even those who see and acknowledge the benefits of choosing a meatless existence, refuse the better choice for themselves because they don't see how they could ever possibly make the change. Before ever giving veganism a try they decide that it's just too difficult. We are living proof that it doesn't have to be!

God calls us to be good stewards of all He has created and provided for us -- our money, health, and the world in which we live. Veganism is giving us the opportunity to live with new purpose and passion.  As this journey unfolds we eagerly anticipate seeing what He has next for us -- perhaps an opportunity to volunteer or work for an animal advocacy group or even the chance to go to Washington as a voice for change.

Joy and I invite you to join us on this journey! We will continue providing and sharing helpful information and tips to help and motivate you, and we encourage your questions. Please visit our Facebook page or email us at feelingveggiegood@gmail.com with any questions you may have.

We're not experts, but we are hungry for change and committed to finding ways that will help us all live healthier and more compassionate lives!


Copyright 2016 by Dee Dee Wike and Joy Wike. All rights reserved. www.feelingveggiegood.com