The chaos of 2020 is wasting no time in rising to the surface. We’re not even a week into January and WW-III is apparently a trending hashtag on social media, according to what I hear. (I’m still on a social media hiatus that’s been running for over 9 months.)
It may seem the world is teetering on the brink, but there remains plenty of good out there.
One of my three words from last year was illuminate, this year, I wish to illuminate more of the light that exists in this world.
To that end, I’m introducing a new occasional feature called Feel-Good Friday, in which I’ll share something I found that will help you (and me) remember that the world is not as dark as it may appear.
For this installment, I’m sharing the work of Elijah Lee.
Elijah is a 12-year-old from North Carolina who was named one of the “real life superheroes” by Marvel Comics for their Marvel’s Hero Project series.
Elijah leads marches to stand up for abused children.
Kelly Clarkson had him on her talk show, and asked what the Marvel project means to him.
Elijah said:
I believe the Marvel hero project is basically a group of kids who fight every day to make this world a better place. Not just for us, or adults, but also for our younger generations.
Ha! Just love this 11-year-old boy talking about the “younger generations.” He speaks more articulately and with more poise than many of our elected officials.
Then:
If we want our country to get better it starts with our young people.
In addition to planning his third march, he’s also working to create a pediatric safe room at a local hospital for kids who have gone through abuse or who are at the hospital because they lost a parent. (Elijah’s father died when he was three).
Watch the interview to see Kelly Clarkson and Patti LaBelle (!!) wiping away tears as he talks about knowing his purpose, his pride at being biracial, and the power of using your voice to create change.
Our teachers come in all ages.
Elijah is doing what each of us is capable of doing in our own way: bringing light to the world.
Read more about him on the Marvel site.
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