This is not so much advice I received but rather a quote from a documentary I watched, episode one of Life on Our Planet, I believe.

The quote came at the end of the episode, simple words spoken over a black screen delivered, it seemed through space and time, by the all-encompassing voice of Morgan Freeman:

99% of species that have ever existed are now extinct. Life today is the 1% that made it through.

Perhaps it was because it was said by Morgan Freeman’s all-encompassing voice, which, for me at least, has come to be known as the voice of warm wisdom.

Perhaps it was because I was sitting on a new couch in a new country where I felt deeply out of place, or perhaps the words are just as powerful as I believe them to be.

Whatever the case, something clicked when I heard those words. I remember thinking in awe that I’m part of the 1% that made it through.

I remember thinking that here I am existing in this tapestry of life that covers the world and is made up of the 1% that made it through, what a privilege!

Some may call this privilege chance but I am inclined to disagree. The quote made me think of a portion of scripture well known to Christians, Esther 4:14, in which Mordecai says these famous words to his niece Esther:

“Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

Perhaps you have been placed on Earth for such a time as this. I know that may seem unlikely in the face of international issues, and perhaps national issues, and perhaps personal issues.

Perhaps you are wondering what you, one individual person, could do, how you could help solve the many monumental challenges plaguing the world at this time.

Esther probably thought the same. She was facing the eradication of her people, and as queen was their only hope.

But she was young and new, and petitioning the king without being called was a death sentence. She was probably scared.

Scared for her people, scared of the situation, and scared for her life. But Moredecai’s words strengthened her, for not only did he make it clear that she would perish alongside the rest of her people if she did nothing, but he also planted seeds of faith in telling her that perhaps she had been made queen to be a bearer of salvation to her people in this time.

Esther prayed and fasted, and I’m convinced it was during that time she received the answers she needed to save her people. I don’t say all this to say you must stop a genocide, but only to show that one person can do mighty things.

Still unconvinced? Then you needn’t look further than your garden or local outside space. If it’s anything like mine, you’re likely now seeing Bees buzz about.

Well, 2 days ago, it was World Bee Day, and people around the world celebrated the tiny heroes of Earth’s ecosystems. Without them, the world just wouldn’t function as well as it does.

They may be small, but they are mighty. The same truth can be applied to you; you may be small, but you are capable of mighty things. Perhaps you will spark a movement, be the change in a situation, or add your voice to a mighty cause.

Want to add your voice to a mighty cause right now? You can! Avaaz has created a petition to get Peru’s lawmakers to pass a Right of Nature Declaration for Stingless Bees.

These Bees are instrumental to the well-being of the Amazon, which, of course, is fundamental to the well-being of the world. This law would grant them legal protection and help them thrive!

If you’d like to be a part of this petition, you can sign here: Rights for Stingless Bees (if you do sign, would you be okay leaving a comment? Only because I’d LOVE to know if you did!)

You are capable of great change. I know that’s hard to believe, but I also believe it to be true.

Whether it’s signing a petition or simply saying something kind to yourself or someone you know, you can begin changing the spaces and places around you.

Perhaps this isn’t the most profound piece of advice I’ve ever received (I actually don’t know what that is 😅), but it is definitely a profound reminder, and so if I can say anything to you today, it is this:

You are part of the 1% that made it through, and who knows, perhaps you were placed on the Earth for such a time as this.

Thanks so much for reading! And don’t forget to sign the petition if you can: Rights for Stingless Bees. (Let me know if you do!)