All It Takes Is A Sentence

In 1958, Hugh O'Brian was one of the most famous people in America, being the star of "The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp."  During the summer, he was getting some extra income touring with a circus which at the time was in Winnipeg, Manitoba.  While there, O'Brian received a telegram from Dr. Albert Schweitzer, saying he would be more than welcome to visit.  He had long admired the German doctor-missionary-theologian-musician, saying, "He was a great humanitarian who could have done anything he wanted in the world, and there he was in the middle of Africa taking care of people."  O'Brian was on his way, arriving by various forms of travel.

Dr. Albert Schweitzer

He spent nine days with the 83-year-old Schweitzer, the winner of the 1952 Nobel Peace Prize.  The doctor was concerned about world peace, stating the United States need to take a leadership role, or "we are a lost civilization."  As O'Brian was departing, Dr. Schweitzer asked him, "Hugh, what are you going to do with this?"  That simple questions struck Hugh O'Brian right between the eyes like a thunderbolt.

Two weeks later, O'Brian started the prototype for his first youth seminar and from 1958-1967, he held seminars for California youths.  His group was called the HOBY foundation.  By 1968 it had grown to the point youths from all over the nation and world were joining up.

HOBY's core values are Volunteerism, Integrity, Excellence, Diversity, and Community Partnership.  Their goals are service and leadership, and motivating youth to make a positive difference through understanding and action based on effective and compassionate leadership.

Today, more than 14,000 young men graduate from HOBY seminars annually.  They have graduated more than 350,000 in all.

And it all started with a simple sentence.

A perfect example of why we should never underestimate our words.  One never knows who is listening, or how they are going to be interpreted.  One sentence--one word--can set someone off on a journey, so let what comes out of our mouths be carefully planned.  Dr. Schweitzer knew exactly what he was saying, and not only changed the life of Hugh O'Brian, but more than 300,000 teenagers thus far.

Mizpah.

http://www.hoby.org/
http://www.hughobrian.me/