Monday, January 12, 2009

Small Acts of Kindness

Very soon a new man with be at the helm of the ship called the great experiment, America. A government formed with the idea of freedom and self-direction. A government of the people; a generous and hardworking people. We'll see what the tide will bring. Will hope be restored? To allow for self rule, a people must be of moral fiber, with conscience, as must be the leaders. Me thinks the image is tarnished, however.

The tapestry of time shows us the highs and the lows that mankind is capable of. We see the intrigue, corruption and cruelty today; just switch on the news. Yet, I know of so many people who are quietly going about doing their best to make a difference for the better, one small step at a time, each in their own unique way. My faith is not in governments, for absolute power corrupts absolutely; but there is a quiet strength in the small kindnesses that we give our fellow man. This is my hope. There are those who do not believe in God, or have quit their religion because of the faults of man, or their own heartache at how a God so powerful could allow such unspeakable atrocities happen to those He is supposed to care for. It is easy to become bitter, grow cold hearted, angry. But what good is this? It only grows the seeds of resentment and distrust; further deepening the wounds that humankind at its worst inflicts.

With each act of kindness, however small, we join the ranks of those who would fight the hatred that is unfortunately present in this world. We can be stronger and better than the evil that would overcome us. The goodness of God is written on our hearts, we only have to take a moment in our busy lives to listen and to act.

(...for a nice Scottish Air "MacDonald of Keppoch", fiddle and harp (youtube didn't want to post))

"Man's inhumanity to man makes countless thousands mourn!"
-Robert Burns

"Goodness, armed with power, is corrupted; and pure love without power is destroyed."
-Reinhold Niebuhr

"I hope that real love and truth are stronger in the end than any evil or misfortune in the world."
-Charles Dickens


2 comments:

Nick McGivney said...

It's the horns of a dilemma and no mistake, HGF. But here we are, it's certainly not the garden, but it is still quite something. And if we can pick each other up along the way, here and there, then we can make it that little bit more bearable. I think that there's a small bit of room for hope now. There ought always to be, but maybe now it's slightly more palpable. I'm hoping so.

Goodnight from across the ocean.

His Girl Friday said...

Nicely said, Nick.

nite!