We often look to positions of power, wealth, and influence as the breeding ground for greatness. We envision leaders as charismatic figures with exceptional education and unparalleled resources. Yet, history repeatedly reveals a different truth: that extraordinary achievements often spring from the hearts and hands of ordinary individuals, guided by a force far greater than themselves. The divine, it seems, has a penchant for working through the unlikely, proving that true power resides not in worldly status, but in a willingness to answer a call.
Consider the figures that have shaped the course of human history and spirituality. Jesus, the founder of Christianity, was a carpenter from a humble village. Muhammad, the prophet of Islam, was an orphan who rose from obscurity. These weren’t kings or generals, scholars or philosophers. They were men of the people, intimately acquainted with the struggles and joys of ordinary life.
This pattern continues throughout history. George Fox, the founder of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), was often described as “unlettered,” yet he ignited a spiritual revolution with his passionate preaching and unwavering commitment to inner light. Jakob Böhme, a German mystic, plied his trade as a shoemaker, yet his complex philosophical writings continue to inspire seekers today.
Even figures as iconic as Joan of Arc and Bernadette Soubirous were considered “peasants” in their time. Joan, a young farm girl, led the French army to victory, driven by unwavering faith and divine visions. Bernadette, a poor and uneducated teenager, received apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Lourdes, transforming a small town into a global pilgrimage site.
What unites these seemingly disparate individuals? It’s not inherent genius or exceptional circumstance, but rather a profound sense of purpose, a deep connection to something beyond themselves, and an unwavering willingness to answer a call, however daunting. They possessed a faith so potent that it transcended their limitations, allowing them to become conduits for something truly extraordinary.
The stories of these individuals offer a powerful message: that greatness isn’t restricted to the elite or the privileged. The divine doesn’t discriminate based on social standing, education, or past experiences. It seeks out those with open hearts, receptive minds, and a willingness to serve a purpose larger than themselves.
Perhaps the key is humility. These individuals, free from the constraints of ego and ambition, were receptive to the divine whispers that guided their actions. They were willing to step outside their comfort zones, to challenge the status quo, and to risk everything for what they believed was right.
The truth is, we are all ordinary in some way. We all have our limitations, our insecurities, and our doubts. But within each of us lies the potential for extraordinary action. We may not be called to lead armies or found religions, but we can all contribute to a better world in our own unique way.
By embracing our own inherent ordinariness, by cultivating humility and openness, and by listening to the quiet voice within, we can unlock the potential for greatness that resides within us all. For the divine, it seems, is always seeking willing vessels, ready to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, one heart at a time. The question is, are we willing to answer the call?
Worldwide Temple of Aurora 