What can you do to make a difference?

We have probably all experienced it, a chance meeting, a "coincidental" elevator ride with the CEO of the company, bumping into someone who just happens to be looking for someone who has the gifts and skills that you possess. Some call these situations "opportunity knocking."

Funny thing that seems to happen when opportunity comes a knocking, fear follows close behind, lurking in its shadow.

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It was my turn to cover the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Breakfast. I was a fairly new reporter for CBS and eager to get a chance to cover the popular yearly event. Even more impressive to me was that the keynote speaker that year was Alex Haley. Not only was Mr. Haley the author of "Roots," which by then was published in seven different languages, but "Roots" was also the most watched television mini-series in American history.

I had aspired to become an author since I was 10 years old, and now I had the opportunity to rub shoulders with one of the most respected authors of our time.

Mr. Haley's keynote went very well. As he ended, I was instructed to follow him to the pressroom for my interview. Sweat streamed down my face as I felt large lumps in my throat. I prayed I would say the right things. His eyes met mine as he entered the press room and with a gentle smile from his sincere face my fears melted away in an instant.

He pulled out a chair for me and then followed with his own as we sat down to converse. We talked as if we were old friends, sharing details of our past and our heritage. I was entranced by his words and his ability to make me follow him back in time. I learned about his struggles within his family heritage, struggles to be free as a race in America and now his struggles to continue to write more mind-opening literature.

He informed me of his newest project called "Queeny" which was to debut as a mini-series starring Haley Berry. "Queeny" was the story of his grandmother and was going to air during February of that year.

I decided that this was my time, when "opportunity was knocking." I asked him how I could one day become published and share my words with the world.

There was a silence, then a sigh. "Are you ready for this?" were Mr. Haley's words.

"Yes," I said, hesitantly.

He proceeded to tell me that I had to be ready for rejection and that "Roots" had been rejected over 40 times before it was published. "Just remember, when you are rejected, and you will be, it is not you that they are rejecting, it is your manuscript. Something about it doesn't fit their needs."

Mr. Haley gave me some more helpful advice and, before I knew it, his assistant came in and informed him that it was time for the next interview. With that, he gave me an autographed picture and a heartfelt "Good Luck and happy writing." He turned and walked out the door.

In the days to come, I let fear – that same fear of rejection that Mr. Haley had warned me about – take over and I didn't send out my manuscript. I just kept talking myself out of it.

Three weeks later, as I watched the news, my heart skipped a beat as I heard the reporter tell how Alex Haley had died the night before. I wept for him and his family. Then I turned to my computer and started my first book.

Opportunity knocked for me with the chance to meet Alex Haley and then become a published author three times. What opportunity are you allowing to slip through your fingers because you are afraid? Don't let fear stop you.

Go after those things which you dream about. Alex Haley did and he found his "Roots." What will you find if you just believe and open the door when opportunity comes knocking?

Thanks for sharing.

Cassandraism: One man's persistence to find his heritage changed a nation. What can you do to make a difference?