Overcoming Barriers

Change is hard. Most of us like to keep our regular routine rather than begin something new. When we are used to our job, our home, our town, our space, we feel comfortable. To step out into the unknown is often scary. Overcoming barriers to achieve a better world is hard work.

There are some people who like new challenges, and can adapt to changes whatever they may bring. They like the excitement and adventure of what lies ahead. These are the risk takers and leaders who can generate new ideas and make hard decisions.

I think of people like Ghandhi who was able to overcome British domination and lead his people with peaceful resistance. He caused India to change from a British colony to an independent country.

I remember Wangari Maathai who started the Green Belt Movement, which succeeded in planting over 51 million trees in Kenya, making her country more economically and environmentally successful. She had to undergo imprisonment and other setbacks but eventually achieved her goal.

And Martin Luther King could have stayed an ordinary Black preacher, but he had a dream that all people would be equal and there would be an end to divisions and racism. He was killed before he could see that dream materialize, but others are still working to achieve that kind of world.

We need more people like these who are not content with the way things are and who will inspire others to join them to create a more just world. They never gave up hope that they could tear down barriers and make a difference.