Hope, War, and the Heroism of Little Everyday Deeds

"But the vital thing is that we act.  We do not rely on hope alone, though hope is our bulwark, our light through dark days and darker nights.  We also work, and fight, and endure, and it does not matter whether the part we play is large or small.  The reason that God marks the fall of the sparrow is that he knows that it is as important to the world as the bulldog or the world. We all, all must do 'our bit'.  For it is through our deeds that the war will be won, through our kindness and devotion and courage that we make that better world for which we long."

Connie Willis, All Clear (page 364)