I’ve always been drawn to David and Goliath stories. Over the years, I helped folks on their journey to get life-saving drugs covered, raise funds when the coverage was turned down, and share the stories of those who beat seemingly insurmountable odds to raise millions, make change and visit The White House. Every time, the person going up against the big system or power had to believe one thing, that they could make a difference.
When I look at Ukraine, my eyes well up at the thought of the mountain so many are trying to climb. President Zelenskyy surviving multiple assassination attempts, Ukrainian grandmothers making Molotov cocktails in their basements for the fight, millions streaming out of the country to safety and being greeted by those offering food and a place to stay, Ukrainians, whether residents of the country or from around the world, standing up to join the cause on the front lines.
And yet, stories of young Russian soldiers being captured by Ukrainians and given food and allowed to call home to let their parents know they are alive.
Humanity.
As Holocaust survivor and author Victor Frankl said, “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms — to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.”
When you look at the firepower, Russia should have won very quickly. But the thing you can’t buy is a belief in something more. The confidence in David that he could outmaneuver Goliath.
We all must believe that anything is possible. That as the Yiddish proverb reminds us, “When one must, one can.”
Can a comedian and actor become a world leader who inspires everyone? Can a country that is outgunned win the battle? Can David beat Goliath? Can all those watching globally climb their own mountains and make a difference?
When one must, one can.