When Henry Harrod opened a restaurant in the little town of Otorohanga, N.Z., he had no idea that he was about to start an international incident.
In 1986, he received a letter from the owner of Harrod’s department store in London, stating that he was being sued for copyright infringement. Specifically, he was informed he could not use the name “Harrod’s” and that the lettering on his sign was too similar to that of the larger corporation. Henry would have to change the name of his restaurant, or risk being shut down.
When the people in town heard about this, they did something remarkable. Every business in town changed its name to Harrod’s. In fact, town council went one step further and changed the name of the town to Harrodsville.
Eventually, the British tabloids got wind of the story and they jumped on it. Story after story shamed and mocked the larger company for its actions. Eventually, in an effort to stop the negative publicity, Harrod’s of London withdrew their lawsuit.
Soon after that, the businesses changed their names back, the town became Otorohanga once again and Henry Harrod went back to running his business as he had done before.
Often, our problems seem huge and our resources look minuscule. It is easy to think that there is nothing we can do to make the situation better. However, when we do the good we can do, whether big or small, we can make a difference and change the outcome. Our actions and reactions matter.
In 2 Timothy, we find these words, “Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly” (2 Timothy 2:14-16).
We always have a choice: we can respond in Godly or ungodly ways. When we choose to do what is right and best, we help make the circumstances around us better. Even more, we become useful to God as he works in, through and by us.
Regardless of what is happening, you can make a difference and be a force for good.
Just ask Henry Harrod.
