The American writer, Richard Bach once stated that "We are each given a block of marble when we begin our lifetime, and the tools to shape it into a masterpiece." Adversities and challenges serve as life lessons, which help shape your character so you can empower others to new heights and as a result change the world.
My in-laws, for example, survived the Holocaust by living in the forest for many years and suffered as they saw family members being killed right in front of them. These traumatic events could have made them bitter and skeptical; however, they decided to become an inspiration to those around them. Their strong character and resilience showed me that you always have a choice on how you want to see the world - a place filled with opportunities and kindness, or fear and resentment.
People like Oprah, Martin Luther King, Helen Keller, Gandhi, and Nelson Mandela are just some examples of those who have overcome great hurdles so as to encourage us to be all that we can be despite of our perceived difficulties.
o Oprah was abandoned by her parents, sexually molested by family members starting at the age of nine, and lost a child at the age of 14. However, she went on to teach her audience of more than 10 million around the globe about hope, optimism and compassion. Oprah employed free will and took an active role in altering the course of her life, consequently showing the world that past is not a predictor of the future.
o Martin Luther King was one of the most important leaders of the American Civil Rights movement. He was a powerful speaker who encouraged civil disobedience to promote racial equality. He was honored with the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 for his efforts to end racial discrimination in the United States
o Helen Keller became blind and deaf at 18 months of age, but despite of her adversities she became a known author, speaker, and advocate for people with disabilities and women rights. She is an inspiration to millions.
o Mahatma Gandhi was a spiritual and political leader and humanitarian who spent many years in jail as he waged nonviolent protests to promote religious tolerance, and civil rights, which helped secure India
o Nelson Mandela was in prison for 26 years for opposing South Africa
white minority government. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 and was elected the country's president in 1994. He stands for justice and equality among people. His speech entitled "I have a dream" is one of the most compelling essays of our times.
white minority government. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 and was elected the country's president in 1994. He stands for justice and equality among people. His speech entitled "I have a dream" is one of the most compelling essays of our times.
Those are some of the heroes of our age, who had to overcome insurmountable obstacles to empower and inspire others to make this a better world. So what are you going to do today to uplift yourself and others? In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, "Be the change you wish to see reflected in the world."
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