“If I Can Help Somebody” … 7 Things That Can Make A Difference

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A song with a message:

A song is just a song unless you turn it’s sentiments into reality. And so it is with the song: ‘If I can help somebody’ … a song about living a meaningful life by helping others. Actually written as a Christian hymn, it’s essential message surely resonates with people of all religions … and indeed, with those who don’t believe, or are not sure … believers & humanists alike.

The two verses below illustrate the song’s central theme, which is:

”IF I CAN HELP SOMEBODY AS I PASS ALONG, THEN MY LIVING SHALL NOT BE IN VAIN”:

If I can help somebody as I pass along
If I can cheer somebody with a word or a song
If I can show somebody he is travelling wrong
Then my living shall not be in vain

Then my living shall not be in vain
Then my living shall not be in vain
If I can help somebody as I pass along
Then my living shall not be in vain

“If I can help somebody as I pass along,

… then my living shall not be in vain”

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To see and hear a Christian-rendering of that song, you can check out an old-time video (below) where you’ll see Glen Payne singing it.
(Skip the video if you want, but do please read on … to find out why I chose this song today … You’ll find a useful message ‘for all’ … including you !)

YouTube Video (Glen Payne)

Background info on Glen Payne:
Glen Payne (1926 — 1999) was the lead vocalist for evangelist Rex Humbard at the ‘Cathedral of Tomorrow’ in Akron, Ohio. In the 1970s, he and his group were regulars on Sunday Morning TV shows, and Glen also sang at several Billy Graham Crusades.

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Why I chose this song for today’s article:

My wife Katie and I make donations to ‘The Fred Hollows Foundation’, a charity that continues the work of Australian eye-doctor Fred Hollows.

Fred died some 30 odd years ago, but the work that he started is carried on today under the guidance of his wife Gabby. The Foundation sends skilled eye doctors to communities all over the world to where people who have little means, receive sight-restoring ‘new lives’.

Their son, Cam Hollows, (now an eye-doctor himself), sent my wife Katie & I a letter in which he mentioned ‘7 Lessons Dad taught me about changing lives’.After reading Cam’s ‘Seven Lessons’ I thought that they were worthy of a more wider interpretation … with application to ‘helping people in general’.

To see Cam’s ‘Seven lessons’ in full, you can click the above underlined link, where you will also find more info about ‘The Fred Hollows Foundation’, but from my ‘general helping’ perspective, the following edited extracts may be sufficient for now:

Edited extracts from Cam’s letter to ‘the other Fred’ and wife Katie:

Dear Fred and Katie,
As a child, I watched my Dad, Fred Hollows, dedicate his life to helping others. His passion, grit, and belief in humanity left a mark on everyone he met … especially his children. Dad taught us that changing lives isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about small, meaningful actions that ripple outwards.

As Dad famously said, “Every eye is an eye,” and he meant it … Everyone, no matter where they come from, deserved the chance to see and live with dignity. Watching him work tirelessly to restore sight and bring hope to those in need was one of the most inspiring experiences for us all.

May 2025 marks 32 years since Dad passed away. As we honor his legacy, I’ve been reflecting on the lessons he left behind … lessons that continue to shape the world we’re building together.

I’ve written about seven lessons my Dad taught me about changing lives. I hope you’ll take a moment to read them … they’re a reminder of how each of us can make a difference.

Note from ‘the other Fred’ … (that’s me … the author of this article):
“I’ve given Cam’s Seven Lessons a wider interpretation … by making them
‘all-inclusive’, helping ideas”:

1. Everyone deserves a fair go

Everyone, no matter where they came from or how much money they have, deserve the same opportunity to live with dignity. Don’t see borders or labels — see people in need.

2. It’s about dignity, not just charity

Help to restore their independence, their pride, and their place in the community. When you help someone, empower them to help themselves.

3. One person can start a movement

Don’t wait for someone else to step in …act! … even one person with a vision and a plan can inspire others and create lasting change.

4. Compassion and action go hand in hand

If you see people suffering needlessly, don’t accept that things can’t be changed. Don’t be passive … back-up your thinking with relentless action.
It’s what you do with your feelings that truly makes a difference.

5. Never stop dreaming big

Even when faced with setbacks, never stop believing that change is possible … dream big … and never give up.

6. Small actions can have big impact

Even the smallest actions can create a ripple effect. Helping someone overcome one aspect of their lives helps them to ‘get on with life-in-general’; support their family and others, and regain confidence. Small things can help to change lives. Sometimes, it’s the simple, consistent acts of kindness that make the biggest difference.

7. Listen, think and act

Don’t just show up with solutions … listen, ask questions, and worked alongside people and communities to understand their unique needs. Real change starts with listening. It’s about respecting people’s experiences and working with them to find the best way forward.

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This article is saved in the my Philosophy and Songs Collections, and though its not strictly religious, I’ve put it in there too. So, if you enjoyed this ‘Help Somebody’ article, then my Religion Collection might be worth checking out.

Thank you for reading … I wish you well on your own life-journey … Fred O

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I hope that you enjoyed reading this story of mine.
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NAVIGATION PANEL: TO EVERYTHING FRED: (clickable links)

Just The Index … To open up over 12 story-boxes of good reads. Try it!
Email: Fred.[email protected]
And Did you know?:
You can share Fred’s Home Page by sending this link. Why not try it?

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This post was previously published on medium.com.

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