Entry #4: Love, Fear, and Courage

10/9/2010

October 8, 2010 Entry #4

A friend recently said to me, “You are a courageous woman to go to Mexico as you do.”

My reaction was, “Oh, I am not so courageous.” The next day, I came across a phrase I had seen before but had dismissed as an aphorism that did not touch me: “Courage is fear conquered by love.” Now the words make sense. Many people from the U.S. fear going to Mexico because of generalizations they hear or read about in the news media. The same is true regarding places I have visited in Nicaragua and Ecuador.

I go because I want to learn more about the people. I want to see how they are involved with Fair Trade, microfinance, cooperatives, and similar tools that promote sustainable development. When I learn more about the people involved, my writing, teaching, and public speaking are more accurate and alive. By interacting with good people, I avoid thinking myself into fear. The people in Mexico and elsewhere know that I care, and they welcome me in loving ways. I hope that you will find similar warm welcomes during all of your travels.

Copyright©2010 by Paulette L. Stenzel

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Paulette L. Stenzel

I am Professor Emerita of International Business Law and Sustainability at Michigan State University (MSU). I continue to teach part time at MSU and coordinate the Broad College Ethical Leadership program Additionally, I advise Spartan Global Development Fund - a student-driven microfinance organization and serve on its non-profit 501(c)(3) Board of Directors. .

I am also a mom, learner, writer, violinist, environmentalist -in -process, traveler, and avid reader.

Through research, service, and public speaking, I share information and perspectives on teaching, ethical leadership, and the pursuit of more sustainable ways of living and doing business.

Photo above: Francisco Vinega, Jade Artist, Guatemala, with Paulette Stenzel.
Contact me at stenzel@msu.edu.