Derek Wong
Prof. James
En – 102
9/9/98
Infinite
She was a virgin, yet millions called her Mother. She disdained limelight, yet people all over the world knew her by a single name. Serving the poorest of the poor, Mother Theresa exhibited an infinite courage, an endless optimistic attitude, and an eternal influence on everyone.
At the age of 18, Mother Theresa left the Congregation in order to begin the
new experience that Jesus had proposed. This was an enormous step, which required
not only courage but also a strong faith in God that he was truly leading her in the right
direction. Immediately after she left, she came to the realization that she was
completely alone, with no shelter, no savings, and no work. She found herself in the
same condition as those that she wanted to serve. Having an optimistic attitude, she had
faith that God would be with her wherever and whatever she did. The courage she had
to face these obstacles is immeasurable. She knew that God would provide for her and
that she was on the right path. An example is how she gave up her last rupple, in order
to help a worthy cause, and hat same night, she received an envelope filled with 50
rupples from a person she did not know, who said this is for your work.
Throughout her mission, there not only has there been the monetary problem, but also political problems. She knew that not everyone would embrace her work, and help her in every way they can. An example of this was when she was in Bangladesh and the government made the accusation that she was not only helping the poor, but also baptizing the poor Muslim Children. Of course this was untrue, but nevertheless, she was forced to leave the country. Luckily, she was let back into the country and allowed to continue her mission.
Courage not only comes in the form of being able to sacrifice yourself for others, but also being able to take a stand and speak for your beliefs. Mother Theresa was never afraid to voice her opinions and tell others, especially world leaders, that they should, "give until it hurts" as she would always say. Not only is she not timid about asking for volunteers and donations, but she is also quite assertive about making others seeing her point of view. An example is when she went to the United Nations council and pleaded to the world leaders not to legalize abortions. She was very clear in her points that abortion is morally wrong and that although the baby is not born, it still possess life. She would argue that any life that is killed would be against the will of God. Her plea not to legitimize abortions affected many world leaders as well as commoners.
Her influence on others can be seen throughout the world. At first she started off with just one, and then she started the Sisters of Charity, and now volunteers from around the world come and help "Children of God", as she would call those she helped. Her influence extended not just to helping the poorest of the poor, but also in the optimistic attitude she always had. Even if they are dying, she will still take care of them, because soon they will be in a better place. In the Dying House, Calcutta, there is a sign in the room where they place the deceased, it reads, "I AM ON MY WAY TO HEAVEN." Even when they die, she is always looking at the glass as half full, and not half empty.
Mother Theresa not only inspired many people to help those in need, but also showed that through courage and faith in God, anything is possible. Her life will be remembered because of her never-ending quest to help the destitute and diseased. She demonstrated that the rewards in life are determined by the Problems you solve for others and that struggle is the Proof that you have not yet been Conquered.