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Peter Gabriel on how Communication can Change the World

Peter Gabriel was on my bucket list of artists to see live. Like so many women of my age, I first fell in love with his music when John Cusack lifted a boom box over his head and played “In Your Eyes” to Ione Skye in Say Anything. 

As my fiancé and I headed to Las Vegas to see Gabriel live, I knew I was in for an incredible night of music from a fantastic artist. What I was not expecting to was a powerful reminder about the importance of communication.

Gabriel always ends his shows with the song “Biko.” A tribute to Stephen Biko who was brutally beaten to death by South African police for speaking out against apartheid. Gabriel pays tribute to all of those who fight against oppression and stand up for the rights of their people.

At the end of the song, he uttered words these words:

As always, what happens now is up to you.

-Peter Gabriel

He turned the microphone around out toward the audience and walked off stage – leaving us singing a tribute to our own ability to speak with power.

Wow. Tears. I've been thinking about that moment for days now. (Watch the video. Witness it for yourself).

[youtube_sc url=”http://youtu.be/gV2h8ZkC-p0″]

Thank you Peter Gabriel for reminding me of my own core belief:

Communication can change the world

You may not have to give your life like Stephen Biko or speak out against oppression like so many around the world, but you can change ONE person's world. You can inspire. You can make dreams come true. You can motivate.

Share your message. Speak your brilliance. Give a voice to your sparkle. The ability to communicate is power if you just open your mouth.

I want to change the world by helping others communicate their vision.  How are you going to use your voice?

And as always, what happens now is up to you.

**Image provided by my dear friend and concert buddy, Mc Vitry.