Bad things do happen in the world, like war, natural disasters

Listen now, O children, to the words of Daryn Kagan, who reminds us of the undeniable truth of human existence: "Bad things do happen in the world, like war, natural disasters, disease. But out of those situations always arise stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things." These words carry with them a profound lesson, one that speaks to the essence of humanity itself. For in the darkest moments of life—when war ravages the land, when nature tears through cities, when disease strikes without mercy—it is in those very moments that the greatest acts of courage, selflessness, and heroism emerge. The darkness reveals the light of the human spirit, showing us that even in the face of calamity, the human heart can rise above, performing deeds that inspire generations.

Consider the ancient stories, O children, of heroes who were born not from kings or gods, but from the depths of suffering and struggle. In Homer’s Iliad, the great warriors of Troy fought not for glory, but for the survival of their people, driven by a sense of honor and duty. Achilles, though a warrior of immense power, was still subject to the human condition—he felt grief, rage, and the deepest sorrow. Yet, in the face of battle, he rose to perform deeds that echoed through the ages. His acts of bravery, though forged in the chaos of war, remind us that from the most destructive forces—whether war or nature—come individuals who rise to embody something greater than themselves. They stand as beacons of hope, showing that even in the deepest darkness, the light of the human spirit can shine.

In modern history, we see the same truth emerge time and again. In World War II, when much of the world was plunged into violence, suffering, and destruction, there were countless stories of ordinary people performing acts of incredible courage and sacrifice. Oskar Schindler, a German businessman, saved the lives of over a thousand Jewish people from the Nazi regime. Schindler was not a soldier or a statesman, but an everyday man who, in the face of overwhelming evil, chose to do the extraordinary. His story, like countless others, reminds us that the real heroes are often not those with power or weapons, but those who rise in the face of adversity, willing to risk everything for the sake of others.

Similarly, consider the story of Malala Yousafzai, a young girl from Pakistan, who was shot by the Taliban for advocating for girls' education. In a world where violence, oppression, and hatred seem to dominate, Malala’s story is one of resilience and courage. Though she was an ordinary child, her stand against injustice sparked a global movement. Her voice, once silenced by an assassin’s bullet, now resonates around the world, inspiring millions to fight for the rights of girls and women everywhere. Her life is a testament to the idea that even in the most oppressive circumstances, the human spirit can rise and create change.

The lesson of Kagan’s words is clear: that from the darkest of circumstances—whether it be war, disaster, or disease—emerges the greatest potential for human greatness. It is easy to look at the suffering in the world and feel helpless, to become consumed by the weight of pain and despair. Yet, time and again, history shows us that the greatest acts of courage are born not in times of comfort, but in times of chaos. When the world is at its worst, we are called to be at our best. In those moments, we see the true measure of humanity—not in the size of armies or the might of empires, but in the bravery, compassion, and selflessness of the everyday person who chooses to rise above their circumstances.

So, children, let us carry this wisdom with us as we walk through our own lives. Bad things will indeed happen, as they have throughout the ages. There will be times of struggle, loss, and pain. But in those times, let us remember that we too have the potential to rise. We, too, can become part of the stories that inspire others, stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. When we face our challenges, we must do so with the knowledge that within us lies the power to transform even the darkest moments into opportunities for greatness. It is not the world’s circumstances that define us, but the choices we make in response to those circumstances.

Therefore, let us not be passive in the face of hardship, but active participants in our own stories of heroism. When we see injustice, when we face personal struggles, when we witness suffering in the world, let us step forward with courage, as countless others have done before us. Let us rise, like those who have come before, and show that the light of the human spirit can never be extinguished, even in the worst of times. In the end, it is not the battles we fight, but the acts of kindness, courage, and love that define us. And from those actions, new stories of greatness will arise, stories that will inspire generations to come.