The brave young Afghani woman who spoke those words was not speaking figuratively.
Admittedly, I’m going a little heavy for Thanksgiving, but this story affected me deeply.
When I use the word volition, I mean the will to continue on a determined path, despite obstacles and difficulties. In the developed world, our obstacles can seem great, but it’s worth taking a moment to pause and reflect on how great obstacles can really be — and to admire, be humbled by, and learn how we can support those whose obstacles are much greater than our own.
FOLLOWUP (12/1): On Sunday, NY Times columnist Nicholas Kristof wrote about acid attacks, including the incident I referenced above. It’s not an easy read, and I’ll warn you that he includes a photograph that provides a level of detail that my imagination had not. He also included a link to the Progressive Women’s Association, based in Pakistan, which provides “medical care, shelter and legal advocates” for women attacked using these brutal methods. I can not personally vouch for this organization, but I will take Mr. Kristof’s mention of them as an endorsement.
