Back in 1982, I interviewed Mother Teresa’s right hand man, Brother Andrew. He led a large group men who chose to follow a similar path as Mother Teresa - to help the poor on the streets in downtown
Andrew happened to come to
Even after 25 years I still remember Andrew’s key statement when I questioned him about the poor people that consumed his sphere of influence ….
“In many ways these people are far richer than people in your nation,” he said, lowering his eyes as if embarrassed to tell me this.
When I asked how this was so … he added
"The people I work with live on the street but they share even one crust of bread they get - with people around them - rather than see somebody go hungry.”
Andrew looked like he fell out of a Goodwill bin, yet his face was full of affection for life and for others, and his tone showed a passion for people, peace, and for wisdom. So what do Andrew’s words straight from the streets of
As popular buzz topic would have it the 33rd annual G8 Summit held in
As Dan Smith at Know More Media reminded us … these are the world’s wealthiest countries. They make up about 65% of our global economic output and consist of 14% of the population.
The
The problem is they have leaked out too much of their influence because of communication problems they create. This year’s Summit has already been marred by violent clashes between protestors and police.
The summit has lost influence and gained controversy as seen in recent police clashes with demonstrators and I am not sure the security fence that is built is what is needed to recreate trust or build peaceful communications.
People have lost confidence in world leaders who fail to communicate the kind of tone that learns from others and who instead act as more cynics with a one way only approach.
With good tone, and the kind of wisdom Andrew lives … leaders could:
Question how to open rejuvenated approaches that fix broken systems in all our worlds.
Target key issues in most need of help rather than diminish people who differ around the table.
Expect the best from people in developing nations and suggest alternatives to poverty and crime – rather than condemn others who think differently.
Move resources in new ways so that local talent develops to lead the way for their own people
Reflect on where to from here in ways that create more win-win opportunities among countries, especially between those who have and those who do not.
If our leaders shared half their next meal – and bent an ear to really hear from different people around them - would the G8 begin to replace its security fence with more bridges of trust and goodwill? Andrew spent a lifetime showing how it makes even the poorest leaders rich too. What do you think?
» From a Street in Calcutta into G8 Influences from BizzBites.com
Andrew looked like he fell out of a Goodwill bin, yet his face was full of affection for life and for others, and his tone showed a passion for people, peace, and for wisdom. So what do Andrew’s words straight from the streets of Calcutta have to do wi... [Read More]
Tracked on: June 5, 2007 8:00 AM | Permalink to Trackback