Resilience and the Beauty of Humanity: Reflections from Berlin's National Prayer Gathering May 2023

This week I had the honor of attending Germany’s National Prayer Gathering in Berlin.  

It was an eye-opening experience, to say the least. 

Before going, I had pre-conceived notions about the Germans being socially distant, very organized, rigid, and focused on the task at hand. As I shared my story, all of a sudden it was apparent we all have so much in common. Germans are a community of intelligent, organized, resilient individuals, and also full of heart and kindness, who freely shared their heart with me.

I also had the opportunity to connect with individuals from other regions, who have been through much tragedy and political unrest, who are now using their experiences to create a better future.🙏🌹

Here are some real-life stories shared publicly during the gathering:

• Individuals from different parts of the world who lost their loved ones due to political unrest, genocide, and other situations out of their control, shared with a spirit of humanity, grace, kindness and determination for a better future.
• I met an immediate past Prime Minister who carried his dead brother on his back for two days in the midst of war, through mountains in the snow, worried if the opposition found his dead brother, they would seek out the rest of the family and kill them. He told his troops his brother was alive so that they wouldn't give up hope.
• I also met beautiful Ukrainian youth who shared their stories of inhumane experiences in their home country before coming to Berlin.

These experiences taught me a new view of resilience and true humanity. It was heartwarming to be welcomed into the hearts of entire communities: From the highest levels of Parliament in several countries, to the youth, all of whom joined together for the good of humankind. 

I realized that each of us has a God-given talent that I call “Our Genius." President Bush Senior once said, "It's not what we have, but what we do with what we have that makes a difference."

I am deeply grateful for the tremendous honor and blessing to be here at such a time as this, and for the ability to use my God-given talents to make a difference.

As my Pepperdine family often says, "To whom much is given, much is expected," and "Freely ye received, freely give." 

Let's continue to make this world a better place, one person at a time. It doesn't take much; just a vision, an open heart to make a difference, regardless of race, color, gender, socio-economic background... and a commitment to doing something about it each and every day, for the rest of our lives.

I leave this gathering with a community of new brothers and sisters from different parts of the world, and a renewed sense of hope and determination to use "Our Collective Genius" to make a positive impact in the world.

I look forward to sharing more as my journey continues.

Dr. Betty™🌹