Don't be overwhelmed or disempowered by stress
By Marian Wright Edelman
So many people feel so overwhelmed and disempowered by the stress of the current moment that they convince themselves they can’t make a difference. So they don’t even try. They bury their talents in the ground and let their spirits wither on the vine of life. I hope they will bestir themselves at least to say every day as an anonymous old man did: “I don’t have the answers, life is not easy, but my heart is in the right place.”
It is so important not to let ourselves off the hook or to become apathetic or cynical by telling ourselves that nothing works or makes a difference. Every day, light your small candle. Tutor or mentor or speak to or smile at that one child—your own or one you teach or serve in some way. Every month decide to write a letter to the editor and to your representatives about a need children have in your community. Every election, take the time to vote for leaders who put children first and against those who don’t.
The inaction and actions of many human beings over a long time contributed to the crises our nation and children face, and it is the action and struggle of many human beings over time that will solve them—with God’s help. So every day, light your small candle. It just might be the one that sparks the movement to save our children’s and nation’s future.
God, please help us remember that all the darkness in the world cannot snuff out the light of one little candle. Help us to keep lighting our little candles until a mighty torch of justice sweeps our nation and the world.
Marian Wright Edelman is founder and president emerita of the Children's Defense Fund.