In the presence of greatness | October 15, 2011
It was not her fame that struck me. She was remarkable, not because of what she said, which was delightfully entertaining and eye opening, but it was more than that. I was moved to tears as she spoke. I was struck, in a way that words have difficulty capturing…by who she was. Such a passionate, gentle, compassionate spirit permeated by and radiating peace.
Like rain soaking into the soil after a drought, Jane Goodall spoke today.
She helped plant a tree, declining a shovel, preferring to gently place soil around its roots with her hands, tenderly kissing its leaves.
I've been in the presence of other peacebuilders like her and felt the same thing. It's hard to describe why they had such an impact on me, but they have. I think part of it is their ordinaryness and humility. I'm so glad you were able to meet her!
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