What qualifies you?

I have just returned home from a wonderful week spent with friends in Derbyshire. This was in order to go to our graduation at Liverpool John Moore's University. The ceremony was held in Liverpool's Anglican cathedral with full pomp and fanfare. I dutifully received my MSc in a brief glide across the podium shaking hands with Chancellors and other University representatives.
I ask myself however, what is it that qualifies any of us to be here at this time? I am talking about being human on this planet right now. There are so many corrupt and devious undercurrents coming to light that one might wonder about the true purpose of our existence.
I am convinced that the vast majority of us are here to take a very different stance. We all have the qualifications to stand up for what is right and to treat each other fairly and with compassion in these difficult times. It is this that keeps me optimistic. At last the noxious underhand dealings are surfacing for us all to see and this is good. As more and more is revealed so we are given the power to overturn the old outworn, decrepit and narcissistic ways of doing things that serve the few and destroy so many.
So take a good look at yourself and congratulate yourself for every moment you have spent in service in any way to others. Each gesture of this kind makes a huge difference to the world in which we live. Whether you have academic qualifications or not is irrelevant - the power lies in your hands, act accordingly.