What does the world need now? Maybe super heroes? We could use a few to come to our rescue in times of need (which is always), and now in these times with challenges in every direction. If only super heroes could swoop in to save lives, put out wildfires, hold back tsunamis, stop evildoers, bring peace of mind and world peace—with their powers of super strength, super senses and super feats, magic or miracles. Alas, we have no superheroes to save us. What we do need are human beings with the ability to inspire.
What the world needs now is INSPIRATION!
To be inspired is to be “breathed into.” Animated by inhaling the power of that breath, we begin to imagine, to envision, to hope, to believe. Inspiration is what the world needs now (and always)—a light to guide our way, to eclipse the darkness—even against the risk that darkness implies, and, ultimately, to create in the name of the beautiful, the good and the true. Unfortunately, at times, people are also inspired by ideas and thoughts that are their opposite. I believe that, knowingly or not, it is the deepest human longing to be inspired by ideals and values which serve the common good. Only then can we find the courage to eclipse the darkness.
If we agree inspiration is what the world needs now, can we even begin to imagine who it is, or what it would take to inspire people, a nation, the world? Where are the likes of, for example, Abraham Lincoln, Eleanor Roosevelt, Mohandas Ghandi, Martin Luther King, John F. Kennedy, Nelson Mandela, Mother Theresa, or even Mr. Rogers? Can we believe there will be others like them again? They came from different places and perspectives, for different reasons, but all were both leaders and servants. Some spoke truth to power; others advocated for unity, freedom, equality and justice; cared for the sick and dying; modeled patience and kindness to children. They were selfless, persistent, clear thinkers and effective organizers who inspired many to confront complex challenges. Most admirable was their light-inspired human spirit shining through.
True, they could not leap tall buildings with a single bound, or display other superhuman powers. What they did do was become inspired themselves and tap into the essence of their humanity to put a cause ahead of themselves. What lives they lived! How they fought despite the risks! They inspired others with the truth of their vision, which manifested in small and large ways over their lifetimes. It is well to remember though that three of those mentioned above were assassinated, and one was unjustly imprisoned for years. There is a price to pay for attempting to bring light into darkness, for following inspiration founded in dedicating one’s life to that end—sometimes “costing not less than everything.” (T.S. Eliot)
Their conscience did not allow them to stand by and do nothing, or to live in fear or for power, fame and wealth. Their inspiration came from knowing they were connected to others, that we are all ultimately connected, which gave them the courage to work toward social justice, inclusion, independence, healing and comfort for the dying, and even a quiet (but needed) message to millions of children that they are individually special, yet part of a larger neighborhood.
We are the "neighborhood," a human family spinning in dark, cold infinite space, from where our majestic planet without marked boundaries can be seen, where we are at least ONE in the spirit, recognized or not. We are not, however, as naive to believe there will be world peace, or that we could all “just get along,” but we could agree to strive to be civil, kind and fair as individuals, communities and nations, and, by the way, be examples to our children in our right speech, right thought and right action toward others.
Look around us, and we may find others in our lives and communities who inspire and motivate us. We may find that we are more similar than different, that we are connected to each other, to nature and to the universe in ways we may not comprehend.
I am inspired by these words. Maybe they will inspire you too?
Neither stars nor stones, neither atoms nor waves, but their belonging together, their interaction, the relation of all things to one another constitutes the universe. No cell could exist alone, all bodies are interdependent, affect and serve one another… even rocks… are full of unappreciated kindness, when their strength holds up a wall.
*Heschel, Abraham Joshua. Man Is Not Alone. Farrar, Straus and Geroux
