Suffering + Compassion + Grace = Moral Authority!

I was wondering about something... what is moral authority?

"Moral authority is authority premised on principles, or fundamental truths, which are independent of written, or positive, laws. As such, moral authority necessitates the existence of and adherence to truth. Because truth does not change, the principles of moral authority are immutable or unchangeable, although as applied to individual circumstances the dictates of moral authority for action may vary due to the exigencies of human life."

And then this...

Since the Age of Enlightenment, traditional sources of moral authority such as church or state have been viewed with increasing suspicion in Western culture.

I think this is correct. Moral authority does not come from "traditional sources," moral authority comes from suffering.

I have come up with a formula:

Suffering + Compassion + Grace = Moral Authority.

Those who suffer. Those who endure Suffering with Compassion and Grace increase their Moral Authority exponentially. 

Think of Nelson Mandela. Or Martin Luther King. The Dalai Lama. These great figures of Moral Authority suffered the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune. They endured. They spoke up. They called on others with grace and compassion.

Today we see that the Kids of Stoneman Douglas High School have emerged as significant voices of Moral Authority. They have survived the horror of a mass shooting and they are speaking up with intelligence, grace, compassion and fire. Moral Authority.

We should all listen...