Inspiring television is usually an oxymoron, but last night Peter and I watched the second in a five-part documentary series called Women, War & Peace on WHRO and found ourselves riveted and amazed at what the power of women can accomplish. Last night’s film depicted events in 2003 that involved a group of Liberian women who called themselves Women of Liberia Mass Action for Peace. They began holding peaceful demonstrations to show their anger and frustration over the ongoing war between rebels and the governing party.

Led by Leymah Gbowee, who recently received the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize—along with two other women crusading for peace—the Liberian group attended peace talks in Ghana, where they sat in silent protest while back home the war raged, endangering their families. The peace talks had stalled until these brave ladies organized a sit-in and refused to let anyone get past them until earnest discussions resumed. Within two weeks a peaceful accord was reached, and democracy was born in Liberia.

These truly inspiring women simply had had enough war and death and destruction. Here in the states we live in such an isolated, protected cocoon. Events like those in Liberia seem so far away, easy to ignore. Our complacency with regard to the important issues and problems facing us in the 21st century is due in large part, I think, to our comfort level. We live in clean, warm houses, drive nice cars, eat well, and are surrounded by electronic devices designed to distract us from growing and learning—about ourselves and the world around us.

Yes, I realize I watched the film on an electrical device. In fact, you can watch the entire series on PBS’ website. Good television is out there, yet so many of us watch mindless, reality shows (ugh) or comedy shows that aren’t very funny. Sure, we need to unwind after dealing with kids or an unpleasant boss, but learning about the amazing things that others are doing to make this world a better place reminds us that we do have a purpose on this planet. We only need to figure out what it is.

I don’t mean to sound preachy. It just seems like if we look around us at people who make a positive impact on the world, we might not feel so cynical and powerless. As those women in Liberia demonstrated, sometimes all it takes is a united front, a firm belief that right is better than wrong, and a commitment to making it happen.

Honoring Leymah Gbowee, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf—who became Liberia’s president, and Tawakkul Karman of Yemen with the Nobel Peace Prize this year is cause for celebration and introspection. Women can make change happen. Sometimes they just have to take matters into their own hands.

So what does this have to do with women locally? Peace efforts can always use help—whether it’s your money or your time. A great local organization—Women of Hope—has worked since 2001 to provide business training and support for the women of Afghanistan (womenofhope.org). Currently, the Embroidery Project provides supplies for women to use their sewing skills to support their families. Happily, the children of all the women participating in the program are now enrolled in school.

But making a difference can happen here in our backyard. Smile at a stranger, offer to bring a casserole to a harried young mom, volunteer at a soup kitchen, share your strength with those who need it most. Fitting good deeds into our already crowded schedules may seem difficult, but consider how much time you spend on the computer randomly reading posts on Facebook. Isn’t there something else you could be doing than scrolling down your computer screen?

Turn the computer off. Walk in the woods under the trees and appreciate the splendor of nature. Give thanks for the blessings you have in your life. Then commit to doing good deeds this month. Imagine what we can all accomplish.

PS - The last Saturday of November is Small Business Saturday. Plan now to visit three or more small businesses and show them you care!