This is the story of Allie, Sally, and Nelly.

Once upon a time there was a fine lady looking to understand what life was all about, and she mentioned it to Allie, Sallie, and Nelly. Allie could have spoken up and suggested a bible study. Sally should have. But Nelly did!

There was a young child that needed guidance and a loving word given. Allie could have gently helped the child. Sally should have. But Nelly did!

There was an upcoming gospel meeting. At the place our trio worked there was a bulletin board for just such announcements. Allie could have put a card on that board, and Sally should have. But Nelly did.

And on our story goes. Over and over opportunities came along. A teacher was needed to teach a bible class. There were home studies that could have been started. An older shut-in gentleman needed encouragement, perhaps by way of a game of checkers. Likewise, over and over Allie could have stepped up and done something about it. Sally should have. But Nelly, ah our hero Nelly, was the one who took on the job.

In the end, Allie could have gone to heaven. Sally should have. But Nelly did.

I gave this little story as a Wednesday night invitation about 10 years ago. It was an old preacher story I remembered from my childhood. I’ve never heard it used anywhere else, and that’s a shame because I always thought it was such a good story – it certainly hit home with me. You see, usually when someone tells a story the listener relates to one of the characters. There is something about human nature that we always want to be the hero. How many of us feel we’re the Allie of the story? Or even should-have-Sally? No, we usually cast ourselves in the role of Nelly, and puff ourselves up and think what great people we are. Yet, these aren’t their real names. The real names of Allie, Sally, and Nelly are Anybody, Somebody, and Nobody. Now try reading the story again.

You see, we are given many opportunities in life. Right now, we could easily start up another TV show in another town to reach more people. We could always have more home studies. Our classes could be even more encouraging with people prepared and studied up on the topics. Someone could help write thank you cards for the visitors. On cleanup days and work days its almost always just the “usual suspects.” And on it goes.

In other words, Anybody could have served the Lord in all these ways. Somebody should have. But fortunately Nobody did! There are a lot of nobodys at our congregation! I’m nobody special myself!

So you’ve read this bulletin, now consider this short story. Anybody could take up this challenge and start looking for ways to serve with a renewed zeal. Somebody should. But what a shame, a horrible tragedy, if nobody did. Which character do you relate with now?

Randy