When we see the best in others...they see the best in themselves.~ Helice "Sparky" Bridges
Who I Am Makes a Difference - 6/23/06 9:00 AM Page 43
The American Booksellers Conference is an exciting weekend in Los Angeles. Thousands of authors are there displaying and signing new books. Equally involved are the many agents, publicists and publishers searching for the next best-seller. Throngs of would-be authors flock to show their books in hopes of finding a publisher.
Once, I was one of those authors in search of a chance. Now my heart was pounding with excitement standing next to Jack Canfield, signing my story in the book Chicken Soup for the Soul. I was filled with gratitude thinking back on the journey I'd taken to become an author.
My friend Diana shared this amazing experience with me as she was signing her latest book. We were on a high that lasted all weekend from being around our heroes in the industry. As usual, Diana and I were among the very last people to leave. It was nearly 11 p.m.
Darkness surrounded us as we walked down the long, narrow block toward the underground parking structure. We jabbered away, telling each other stories about the wonderful people we'd met. Lost in conversation, we were oblivious to our surroundings.
Suddenly, stepping out of nowhere, a towering, dark, musclebound man pointed a gun in our face. "Give me your money," he demanded. Terrified, Diana froze, grabbing her purse, containing hundreds of dollars. I, on the other hand, looked up and up at this towering six foot four giant, and without thought, reached into my purse and pulled out three Blue Ribbons.
"I have a gift for you. It's a Blue Ribbon that says Who I Am Makes A Difference. I'd like to honor you for asking for what you want. A great many people today don't know how to do that. Will you accept my gift?"
My heart smiled as he nodded his agreement. "May I have permission to place it on you?" I inquired politely.
He shrugged his shoulders, still trying to figure out what was happening. I placed the Blue Ribbon above his heart, cheered him on for his dreams and gave him two extra Blue Ribbons to honor others. "Now you go and tell someone else how much they make a difference," I directed. Then I handed him some change from my purse and waved goodbye.
He stood in shock, lowered the gun and still facing me, slowly began walking backwards. I turned toward Diana and without another word, we continued on toward our car like nothing ever happened. Diana and I never spoke of this situation until I began to write this book. She was among many friends I'd gathered together to tell me their best Blue Ribbon stories.
"What about the mugger story?" Diana asked.
"What mugger story?" I inquired.
"Helice," she said, "don't you remember the guy who held us up with the gun?" Diana asked again.
"No." I replied scratching my head.
And I didn't remember until she began to tell me the story. You see, it had simply become natural for me to honor people. After honoring thousands of people, I seemed to always see the best in everyone without dwelling on who they were.
So the mugger was not different from others, he was just another person who deserved to be told that he made a difference. It never occurred to me that this was the first time I had a gun pointed in my face. And equally, I bet this was the first time in the mugger's life that he'd been told he mattered. It may sound surprising that this simple gesture of love could totally disarm a giant. Yet this is exactly what happens.
When you see the best in someone, it brings out their best. |
