I often consider you, reader, and your time of stopping for a moment to review my thoughts. How I wish we were face to face, sharing ideas and a laugh, exchanging stories together at this special season. While we may be strangers detached by a vast ocean, we do share much in common, and we jointly sail the same seas of life. We are both fortunate to have people around us that uplift and remind us of our worth when doubt seeps in or challenges arise.

I was recently reminded of the bond of friendship when visiting a friend in Washington, DC. Her name is Ruth Davis. Ruth is one of those individuals who after a long life exudes warmth, wisdom, and kindness. In fact, her name Ruth embodies her countenance. Ruth means compassionate friend. That is truly her.

Ruth was the first African-American female career ambassador at the US Department of State. Ambassador Davis also rose to become the director general of the US Foreign Service. To be in Ruth’s presence is to feel her mind, strength, and grace. She has an ability to make me and any person she meets feel valued. I am motivated to pay that spirit of friendship forward.

I suspect this year has brought you some joy and sorrow, buoyancy and woe, confidence and doubt. It certainly has for me. If I am catching you at a point where the twist of life has turned a bit dark, I want to remind you of a light – that light is you. You are valued and meant to be you. If the turn of life at this moment finds you glistening with cheer then that warmth will go far in elevating neighbours who might be doubting their worth.

Finding worth within ourselves is key to a contented life. Once we discover and nurture the value of self, we have a greater disposition to project kindness to others. And as we become mindful of others and reach out to serve their needs, we truly find meaning in life. One remarkable story of how finding and standing for self-worth can impact others for good happened 68 years ago this month in Montgomery, Alabama.

After a long day of work in 1955, Rosa Parks paid her 10-cent bus fare and boarded the bus to go home. She quietly sat in an empty seat in the first row of back seats reserved for African-Americans in the "colored" section. As the bus moved along its route, the “White-only” seats filled up. As more passengers boarded, the driver saw that white passengers were standing. He demanded that four African-American passengers give up their seats. Rosa Parks said she would not move. She was threatened with arrest. Her answer was still a calm though fearless no. Parks said, "When that white driver stepped back toward us, when he waved his hand and ordered us up and out of our seats, I felt a determination cover my body like a quilt on a winter night." Parks was then arrested, proudly covered in her quilt of resolve.

Rosa Parks was brave that day, and courageous in the days and years following. At the core of this story is the conviction Rosa Parks had of self and human worth. Her belief of worth stood firm in the face of a culture that looked her in the eye and told her and others that they were not valued as much as others. The result of her embracing her worth and not giving up her seat was that countless others were served and lifted into seats of opportunity and influence. Parks was a role model.

Here we are at the end of another year surrounded by this season of giving and receiving. This time of year can be challenging for many. Were I standing face to face with you, I would probably stumble around a bit for the right words to express. I don’t know your situation, and you may be a stranger, but I warmly wish you well. Whether we meet in person or not, I know you are a person of worth. Remember that. Keep your candle shining, especially if the path seems dark. We are on this journey together.

Ian Houston is an honorary professor at the University of the West of Scotland.