“What a good man”

For the past week, I’ve been sharing stories of extraordinary courage, compassion, and conviction. I struggled with how to limit my list to 30; whether to include people of all faiths, or family members, or local community heroes. There are so many inspiring stories to tell, 30 days is hardly sufficient. To try and narrow the list, and since this is a blog during Ramadan, I decided to focus on Muslims, and those who are having a profound impact in their societies and the world, because too few of these stories are covered in the press; and to write about people I’ve had a chance to meet or interview, so I could share a personal insight rather than simply write a researched account.But there are countless people, of all faiths or no faith, who are making this world a better place through everyday acts of kindness and grace; so many who we know through our own life experiences, and so many more who we will never get to know. People like Clementa Pinckney and the other eight honorable men and women who lost their lives last week.“What a good man,” Obama said in his eulogy of Pinckney. “Sometimes I think that’s the best thing to hope for when you’re eulogized, after all the words and recitations and resumes are read, to just say somebody was a good man.”I thought today we could pause, and honor and respect all the good men, women and children amongst us - neighbors and teachers, friends and family members, faith leaders and community activists - who quietly inspire us through their generous example. Perhaps there’s no better way to do so than by sharing President Obama’s moving eulogy of Clementa Pinckney. Please take a few minutes to watch; it is inspiring, and full of grace. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRvBzzR5tdA