To the editor:

The world sometimes is too much with me. Our changing climate, the mess in Washington, poverty, hunger, homelessness, drug abuse, crowded prisons, war; it all can seem overwhelming and my small efforts meaningless. Fortunately there is inspiration all around.

I talked recently to a young woman, a mother, a wife, who has taken on an unusual challenge. She is teaching English to a group of women who are refugees from Afghanistan. She does not speak Pashto and is not a trained teacher and has had no instruction and no supervision. She has had to find her own way to connect with these women; it is her caring spirit and her imagination that guide her. This has not been easy, but she has found these women to be beautiful people who try hard and clearly appreciate her help. They sit on rugs on the floor, sip tea, help with each other’s babies and talk and learn. Something good is happening.

There are millions of other people who also are doing what they can – organizing meetings, going door to door, raising money, helping at shelters, supporting candidates, talking to children and a myriad of other activities. I believe all this does create a positive force, nudging the world to be more as we want it. These efforts are worthwhile and important. There are many needs and many sorts of opportunities to help. We each need to find the ways we fit best.

Oh, and, the woman I mentioned is my daughter.

Joe Douglas,

Lawrence