Mayor Anthony Williams of Washington D.C. has a remarkable story. Williams was born to an unwed teen who gave him up. He was known as a “problem child” in foster care. By age three, An­thony had still never spoken a word. It seemed that a pattern for his life was set, that is, until two warm and car­ing people took a chance on him.

Anthony was taken in by an opera-singing postal clerk and her equally gener­ous-hearted hus­band. He soon began to speak and eventually thrived in their home. He excelled academically and later attended both Harvard and Yale Uni­versities.

In 1998, he came from obscurity to win 66% of the vote to become mayor in one of the world’s major cities. In his inaugural address, Wil­liams said: “Forty-four years ago, my parents adopted me and gave me a second chance. I feel this city has now adopted me and I will give to it every­thing my parents taught me about love, service, commitment.”

He was saved by a second chance. And in smaller, yet significant ways, we, too, have been given second chances.

Likewise, we, too, have abundant oppor­tunities to give them. Today may be the day to take that chance — and give a second chance.

From Steve Goodier’s ONE MINUTE CAN CHANGE A LIFE

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