Today is Yellow Envelope Project with a twist.

The idea of the Yellow Envelope Project is pretty simple.  Ask people who shine to canvas the world for the names and stories of other people who shine.  The word "shine" - here at the House of Shine - is defined as someone who makes world a better and brighter place, because of his/her contributions.

It's true.  Our bias is to recognize people who might otherwise never get rewarded for their efforts.  They won't earn six figure salaries, they will never appear on the Today Show, and no statue will ever be commissioned in their name.  These are everyday people who get up and make a difference in their corner of their world, because making a difference is in their DNA.

The rules of play are pretty simple too.  Read the nomination, write a short note to the winning recipient, address it, seal it in a yellow envelope (or white with yellow decorations), and commit to mailing it sometime before next Saturday when we repeat our process for another worthy person.

This week, however, we are putting a twist on the Yellow Envelope Project.  One time only. 

For the past four days readers at the House of Shine have been participating in a 5Ray.  A 5Ray is a little like a 5k, only harder.  It is a rigorous exercise whose intended purpose is to spread shine.  Five days, five challenges.  If you are just tuning in and want to catch up, click here to see Day #1, Day #2, Day #3, and yesterday.  It will help you better understand today's twist.

But first.

A little about our guest of honor - nominated by a graduate student who works for her.

"Lisa is an incredible woman that I work with at UNT who has been through more tragedy in her life than any person should ever have to experience. What makes her so amazing is that she never lets these hardships get her down. She keeps pushing on and never misses a beat. When anyone else would crumble, she perserveres. She is a wonderful mentor and friend who is kind and generous to everyone she comes into contact with. She personifies strength and selfless love in the face of unimaginable obstacles. Although she never had children it certainly does not keep her from being a wonderful role model."

What is it that makes one person soar in the face of adversity while another person crumbles?  How is it that a person, forced to face so much hardship, can personify selfless love while another is tormented by his anger?  What allows someone who has been spared nothing to be so generous while others are consumed by their own self-interest?

Why is it that Lisa chose to shine when, understandably, she could have wallowed in her own misfortune?

We need Lisa.  Lisa is light where there is darkness.  For people, like me, who have suffered little adversity (knock on wood), Lisa is a graceful reminder of the importance of having perspective.  But for people who have suffered the way she has, Lisa is a ray of hope.  She is potential.  She is a glimpse at the power of choice.  Personal choice, Lisa reminds us, is not reserved for the lucky few or for the rich.  Personal choice is free.

I don't know, but selecting Lisa as winner of this week's Yellow Envelope Project seems like a really easy way to say, "You go girl!"

Join me in saying thank you to Lisa for choosing to shine and, in the process, for role modeling shine to people all around her!  Thank you, for allowing your life... your story... to serve as an instrument for goodness.

Write Lisa a note, seal it in an envelope, place words, "Yellow Envelope Project" in the top left hand corner, and mail it to the address listed below.  

But, if you've been with us all week, consider doing it with today's final 5Ray twist...

Shining off until Monday...