Think you can’t make a difference? Stop what you’re doing and check out this twelve-year-old boy.

If you’re like me, you may sometimes feel that there’s no way for you to influence or change the world. There is so much bigotry, hatred, and ignorance out there, and you’re just one person. How is it possible to effect change anymore?

But this photograph of a young Mexican boy has been circulated all over the Internet the past couple of days, and shows what a difference one small action can make.

The image shows the twelve year old standing alone in the street, arms outstretched, attempting to stop 11,000 protesters of Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto’s proposal to amend the constitution to allow same sex marriage.

The young boy took this brave stance for one important reason: he has a gay uncle whom he cares about, and he wanted to stand up against hate. Such a great amount of love and understanding for such a young person.

The photographer, journalist Manuel Rodriguez, captured a stunning moment. The boy, standing alone against 11,000 people, looks so small. So young. And so vulnerable.

And that’s precisely the reason the image is so compelling. He reminds us that we can be both small and brave; both vulnerable and powerful. He was just one person in the face of 11,000. What chance did he have of making a difference?

But he didn’t let the odds stop him from doing what he felt was right. And because of him, we have a powerful reminder that anyone, anywhere can make a difference in the world if you’re willing to be vulnerable and stand for what you believe.