Many people believe that they cannot possibly do something that leads to a radical change in themselves or their neighborhood much less the nation or world. Take time and listen to people you know well and listen to the chatter at work or on a plane. What you are likely to hear is:
I can’t do that. I don’t have enough ….
That will never work. The odds are stacked against ….
It takes too much time and I’ve got to …..
Unbelief. Phrases like those above are uttered by people who do not believe in themselves or their ability to influence others. Yet, history tells us that isn’t true. Every task or movement starts with ONE person:
Rosa Parks
Mahatma Gandhi
Dr. Charles Drew
Jesus
Or:
CharlesPonzi
Bill Ayers
Mao
Anthony Fauci
The first list are people who courageously and boldly spoke truth to power regardless of consequences. And they told it without ceasing. People on the second list persisted and influenced others but eventually they were exposed as having evil and cruel intentions.
Therefore two traits are required: courage and persistence. Persistence is best summed up in this President Calvin Coolidge quote:
“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan ‘Press On!’ has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.”
And Courage:
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 words of Jesus, the Son of God
In light there is no darkness. When exposed to sunlight what is done in secret, with evil intent, will eventually be destroyed by exposure to light. However, this exposure can take longer than you expect.
So how do you make an impact? Be courageous and persistent. Keep exposing people, parties and ideas to sunlight. Test statements made by politicians, scientists, teachers and ministers.
Ultimately, with courage and persistence, Sunlight will expose the movement as good or evil. In Sunlight truth flourishes and overcomes darkness. Seek with the intention of discovering truth regardless of consequence and eventually truth will win out.