How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world... Anne Frank
Miep Gies, the woman who helped to hide Anne Frank and her family from the Nazis, died today at 100 years old. Since reading The Diary of Anne Frank for the first time when I was in elementary school, Miep Gies has been one of my heroes. Last year, when I read The Freedom Writers Diary, I came to admire her even more.
She never saw herself as a hero. Brimming with clarity and humility, she always said she only did what she believed was right. It sounds so simple, doesn't it? But she did it in the face of sheer evil; under the threat of death. She risked her own life to save someone else. I've often wondered if tested, I would demonstrate that same sort of courage. I'm not so sure.
I'm sad to know she's gone but I'm ever so grateful she was here. And I know that although she became famous because of the diary, there were many, many people who exemplified the same sort of courage and humility; whose names and faces were never known to people other than those they helped. I know those sorts of people have existed through time and across continents. The world is full of them right now, though so many of us choose to glorify sports figures and actors, musicians and reality television personalities instead.
So I challenge each of you to find and honor your personal hero. I challenge each of you to seek out the true heroes in your community; in our society - the people who simply do what is right; who live with humility; who serve the common good; who teach and rescue and protect and heal; who do it all without glory or reward.
And then? Let's just say 'thank you'.
Thank you, Miep Gies... for simply doing what was right and helping the world to see that, in the words of a little girl who saw more beauty and truth within the confines of an attic than many of us see in the whole wide world, "...our lives are all different and yet the same."
17 comments:
You are an inspiration my Beautiful friend. Your passion and compassion are qualities which the world needs far more of. Thank you for shining your light so boldly, so gently into this sometimes crazy world,
Love always,
M
I had no idea she had passed away (see, no tv tonight). That is very sad. I appreciate the post and it's amazing how people like that don't see themselves as heroes. They are the ones that are the true heroes; the people that don't question what they are doing and just do. Amazing. Thanks!
Nicely said.
Great tribute to a truly courageous woman!
Beautiful!!
And so true, we often take people like that for granted. I share the same admiration you do for people of this kind. We never have enough of them but they do exist.
Lovely post my dear friend,
xo
Zuzana
wonderful post and great challenge. i agree we take for granted our heroes...we need them.
A lovely post Diane dear, yes there are many unsung heroes all around us who do go unnoticed, except for those they have helped.
I was reading your 'To Do' list, now remember how upset you were with your haircut a few months back?
Well this time to avoid all of that stress and believe me I have been there too... be more wary of that hairdresser with her busy scissors...in this situation less cutting is definitely more. :) xo ♡
Very well said. The world needs more people like that - people who do what they know is right, even when it's terribly hard to do so.
coincadink! I watched schlindlers list the other night...... dont you just love annes story?
You offer a challenge well worth taking up. Kudos!
I still need to read 'Freedom Writers Diary'. The movie was terrific.
BEAUTIFUL post Diane!!!! Thank you for sharing and the reminder to thank those around us. It also reminds me to keep doing and acting in a way where I can consider myself a hero. ;-)
Most worthy post. You have a talent for diligent thoughts and graceful deeds.
beautiful tribute
and beautifully written
you care.
My eldest daughter has just read Anne Frank's diary and was so moved and inspired by it - I was so proud of her reading it because ayear ago I struggled to get her to pick up a book for pleasure. I didn't realise that Miep had died - I wil tell Lily. Thanks for a very thought provoking post and so true.
This truly hit my heart hard Diane! It's filled with such beauty and sincerity and I'm honored to have the opportunity to read it and to know you.
What a lovely tribute, Diane. You have a good heart and are such an encouragement to me. Thank you~
Miep was such a wonderful woman, so strong and so bright. Thank you Diane... And what Maithri said! x
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