Think One Person can't make a Difference?

This man HAS!!

Last night I accompanied my Mother-in-Law to hear Greg Mortenson speak and hearing him definitely made an impression on me. What an incredible man. What an incredible mission. I read his book
Three Cups of Tea last year and was so touched by Mortenson's genuine and sincere desire to promote peace and make a difference. I would highly recommend this book as it is captivating, uplifting, inspiring and motivating. Greg Mortenson is a true hero and it's refreshing to read about something positive and good happening in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

I won't make this a book report but I will tell you that Mortenson's story began with a devastating personal failure. He quoted an African Proverb last night, "When it is dark enough, you can see the stars." How true. He could not have known at the time of his utter disappointment, that his failure would lead him to discover his life's mission.

One thing Mortenson made very clear last night is that it is not his intention to "fight terrorism," it is his intention to "PROMOTE PEACE." This struck me as a very wise and powerful statement. His publishers wanted the tag line on his book to say, "One Man's Mission to Fight Terrorism...One School at a Time" Greg Mortenson urged them to change it to "One Man's Mission to Promote Peace...One School at a Time."

He believes strongly that fighting terrorism is based in fear and promoting peace is based in hope. He chooses to cultivate hope and uses education to prevent the Taliban from manipulating and indoctrinating young boys into violence and hate. He also quoted another African Proverb last night that says, "If you educate a boy, you educate an individual. If you educate a girl, you educate a nation." He believes that educating the girls who will become mothers and leaders in their communities is the most powerful way to limit the Taliban's power. He now advises General Petraus and his book is mandatory reading for certain military groups.

For more information and inspiration see Greg's Blog!

There were many take-home messages for me but, one of the greatest lessons we can learn from Greg Mortenson is that ONE person really can make a huge difference if they are willing to persevere! So...what are we going to do to make a difference?!