Because bad guys dominate the news, and complaints are considered commentary, our view of human nature can become skewed, and grow cynical, and stereotypical. When people act bravely, selflessly, or generously it can be humbling and inspiring, and a needed reminder of the good that shapes our world, through big and little acts, and all gestures in between. For example:
•The world is a greener place, thanks to Isaac Heiman, 13, of Mukilteo, who has orchestrated the planting of 300 trees from Washington to Israel and Guatemala as a service project for his Aug. 3 bar mitzvah. Heiman explained his choice to plant trees this way: “They speak to me. They make me feel good. Most importantly they make the world feel good.”
The three young women who were held captive in a Cleveland home for almost a decade issued their first public statements since their rescue in May. Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight speak separately in a short video released on YouTube — in which they thank the public for their support.
Ariel Castro, 52, has been charged with kidnapping the girls and holding them captive in his home. He is scheduled to go on trial on Aug. 5.
The women so far have declined all requests for book deals, interviews, etc. A spokesman said, “They don’t want to tell their stories.” Which is perfectly understandable. And all the more admirable that these young women made their video.
Kathy Joseph, Knight’s attorney, said that the three women wanted to “say thank you to people from Cleveland and across the world, now that two months have passed.”
One definition of grace: Victims of a horrendous crime taking the time to express gratitude, making the rest of us feel better.
•Then there’s the miraculous Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani girl shot by the Taliban last year for demanding education for girls. Now living in Britain, Malala spent her 16th birthday last Friday giving a speech at the United Nations.
“I am not against anyone, neither am I here to speak in terms of personal revenge against the Taliban or any other terrorist group. I’m here to speak up for the right of education for every child,” she said. Malala presented U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Ban with a petition signed by some 4 million people in support of 57 million children around the world who are not able to go to school.
Malala said: “The terrorists thought they would change my aims and stop my ambitions, but nothing changed in my life except this: weakness, fear and hopelessness died. Strength, power and courage was born.”
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