Moira Kelley stood in the middle of a New York City Cathedral, depicting a devout Dorothy Day pleading with God, explaining that her efforts to change the world were proving to be too challenging.
Last week senior theology watched “Entertaining Angels: The Dorothy Day Story.” Day was a passionate 20th century activist who sacrificed all personal conflicts in the pursuit of a better life for the marginalized people of New York – particularly women and the poor. While Day touched the lives of those around her, she failed to bring radical change to a culture that turns its back on those who struggle.
After watching Day’s story, I was glad that her struggles were so obvious. It’s easy to be idealistic and dream of changing the world, but many are discouraged by the many obstacles that lie in the way of success. I often worry that such struggles will deter my own aspirations of change.
Meeting Sen. Dianne Feinstein earlier this week lessened my doubts. Feinstein has faced every possible hurdle in her life and career – she suffered personal loss, gender-based prejudice and traumatizing events over her storied lifetime, but never let any of them throw her off course.
When I asked Sen. Feinstein about how she felt about the opposition against her highly controversial fire¬arms ban, she related how she fears for the safety of her granddaughter and struggles to ignore the awful untruths that monopolize the media.
She then paused before stating that she believed this work is was her life’s mission, and nothing will stop her from seeing it through.
Dorothy Day uncompromisingly strove to improve the world around her for the marginalized people she adored. She sacrificed every comfort in the name of helping others. Similarly, Sen. Feinstein is not afraid to take on a violent body of opposition in order to achieve her goals. She will not allow threats or unpopularity dissuade her.
I strive to be like both these women, and feel fortunate to be aware of the work of both. As I move on to college and begin to take on the “real world,” I hope I can be as strong and courageous as these women who are not afraid to change the world.