Joseph Pignatelli

At one point in history, the 18th century, Joseph Pignatelli was the only Jesuit in Italy.  Italy was a rather Catholic country and Jesuits are Catholic priests.  But the Jesuits were tossed out of Europe for political reasons.  But Joe did not leave.  Here is this guy, surrounded by people who are uncomfortable with him there, who want him to go away, and he stays.  He has no communal support around him, where he lives and works.  Even the Pope does not want him around.  Think of him whenever you find yourself as the singular figure in a space filled with people who are all acting the same but different from you.  Your first instinct may be to leave, but what if you stay?  You might be an influence for positive change.  You are sober in a room full of drinkers.  Maybe they are uncomfortable with you there.  You are a parent in a school gathering of parents, maybe in a parking lot or coffee klatch, and they are all gossiping in a negative fashion.  You don't participate in the tear down.  They are uncomfortable with you in their space, but you stay when your instinct is to leave.  Be like Joseph.  Be the singular figure.  Who knows what change can take place down the road.  Eventually, the Jesuits got reinstated in Europe.  Joseph did not live long enough to see this.  But I think he made a little bit of difference along the way.  So can you.