Following Generose
When we hear about the horror in a place like Congo, its easy to get overwhelmed. I always think of Generose. We had known each other for years, but when she showed up for the run in Congo, I felt I learned one of the greatest lessons ever- from her. Many of you know her story- her home was attacked, her husband, leg cut off and force-fed to her children. When her 9 year old son refused, he was shot and killed. How do you live through that?
But on the morning of the Run for Congo Women in Congo, she showed up in a red suit and pink pearls. Although she was on old crutches, on one leg, she ran. It was painful for her, and after about a third of a mile, she had to stop. Some might say she didn’t finish the one mile course.
But you know what? She showed up.
She showed up and took it as far as she could.
And when I asked her why, she said, “If I can run on only one leg, everyone will know they can do something to help.”
Today, that humble war victim and her act of running made the national news in the USA. She became a voice for her nation.
Follow that woman.
All we need to do is follow Generose’s lead, and show up. Imperfectly, without always knowing the right thing to say or do, but show up for Congo. The reverberations will be far greater thatn anything you can imagine.
Here are some simple ways to get involved. Or join our group A Thousand Sisters on facebook.
http://athousandsisters.com/act
Thank you for being so inspiring! I love reading your blog, and am moved and touched every time I do. The work you are doing is so important, and I appreciate what you’re doing!
Another person who inspires me is Ann Richmond. She participated in Denver’s Run for Congo Women, and even dedicated her “Yoga for Runners” DVD to the cause. Now, she’s hosting a “Yoga for Congo Women” event in Denver, CO on September 18th. The cool thing is that there will also be an online podcast event for those that aren’t able to meet in Denver ( http://yogaforcongowomen.org/ )
People like you and Ann lift me up and make me want to do better. Thank you so much for being such great examples!!
Generose is definitely a hero! I hope people here in Brazil get to know about her and the sisters too!
“If I can run on only one leg, everyone will know they can do something to help.”
To know the story and to read those words is to be humbled. I will remember these words as I run for Congo women! To see courage, love and hope through all of the horror and wickedness is to be more than inspired. These stories are the foundation for a new world where love indeed conquers all. Thank you for sharing them with us. Please keep your message alive! When all seems lost it is the hope itself that brings us back and makes us stronger than we’d ever imagined we could be. This is the lesson that these women can teach the rest of the world.