Be a Lighthouse

“The simplest acts of kindness are by far more powerful than a thousand heads bowing in prayer.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi

Probably like many of you after these last tumultuous weeks, I am wondering what’s next? How to deal with the deep discouragement?

And then I read an article about Mike Bloomberg, and was drawn to the term ‘Tikkun Olam’, a Hebrew word that means ‘heal the world’. It’s the idea that Jews bear responsibility not only for their own moral, spiritual, and material welfare, but also for the welfare of society at large. I love this idea, the notion that healing the world is a responsibility we all bear, no matter our religion or lack thereof. We are our brother’s keeper, and at the very least other beings on this planet deserve our kindness, a trait that seems to be sorely lacking in our civil discourse.

It is within our power to heal the world with our own individual acts of courage and kindness. Do you think one person can’t make a difference? Look at what Mitt Romney did last week. He alone stood up to the President, and he gave hope to millions of us. One person, acting with integrity, made a difference. I don’t agree with his politics, but this week he earned my respect. And my thanks.

You can be a lighthouse in your community, if you can see your fellow travelers through the lens of compassion. You may never know how your act of kindness will impact someone, especially in these cruel times.

I’ll end with this quote from Henri-Frederic Amiel:

“Life is short. We don’t have much time to gladden the hearts of those who walk this way with us. So be swift to love. Make haste to be kind.”

Heal the world. Be a Lighthouse.

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For more of my Heart Sourced VO, please visit my Political Demos page.