WOW.  Malala Yousafzai is courage in action.  A 16 year old young woman who is willing to tell the President of the United States “that drone attacks are fueling terrorism. Innocent victims are killed in these acts, and they lead to resentment among the Pakistani people. If we refocus efforts on education it will make a big impact.”  She said it with respect.  She said it with poise few 50 year-olds possess.  And she said it with conviction.

Last Friday, Malala told an audience at the World Bank that her career goal is to be a politician. I think she needs to teach a thing or two to the current cohort of politicos in Washington. When asked why she wanted to become a politician, she responded, “because a doctor can only help someone who has been shot.” she said. “If I become a politician, I can help make a tomorrow where there are no more cases of people being shot.”

I have not yet read her book, but it is next on my list. In the meantime, when I am feeling a bit overwhelmed with having put my own story out there, I will think about her courage to put her whole self out there, after being shot and with death threats ever present.

When I wonder if it is worth the energy of this one woman to keep writing and talking about CAN DO and the critical importance of Head Start and Girls Inc., even when not many are listening (yet), I will remember this:

“If a terrorist can change someone’s mind and convince them to become a suicide bomber, we can also change their minds and tell them education is the only way to bring humanity and peace.”