War. Suicide. Shootings. Death. Stock market crashes. Government tensions. Divorce. Abusive relationships. Political tensions.
No matter what way you slice the cake, it seems that the negativity of our communities, our Nation, our world–is bearing its ugly face right in front of our eyes…day after day. And it seems to me that there are no signs of it slowing down.
For someone who was raised on the principles of love and kindness, it can be a hard pillow to swallow somedays when all the negativity engulfs you like an ocean wave of powerful force.
I don’t know about you, but there are times when it is draining. Absolutely draining.
In a society where it has now become the norm to see hatred between nations and terrorist attacks, I often ask myself where the love in people’s hearts and minds have fled to.
Why is it that we would rather stare at the stranger than embrace them with a smile or hug?
Why is it that we would rather talk with our fists rather than open our hearts to listen?
Why is it that we find it easier to attack with acts of violence and not acts of kindness?
Over the weekend, one evening before bed, I was listening to a song called “Louder Than Words” from the musical Tick, Tick…Boom! The lyrics are pasted below; however, they are ones that I really identified with and felt fit perfectly for this week’s topic.
Why do we play with fire?
Why do we run our finger through the flame?
Why do we leave our hand on the stove
Although we know we’re in for some pain?
When the streets are dangerous?
Why does it take an accident
Before the truth gets through to us?
Which do you prefer?
Ask the birds
Fear or love, baby?
Don’t say the answer
Actions speak louder than words
When we can just get by and still gain?
Why do we nod our heads
Although we know
The boss is wrong as rain?
When the well worn path
Seems safe and so inviting?
How as we travel, can we
See the dismay
And keep from fighting?
Which do you prefer?
Ask the birds
Fear or love, baby?
Don’t say the answer
Actions speak louder than words
To wake up a generation?
How can you make someone
Take off and fly?
And shake up the nation
We’ll eat the dust of the world
Wondering why, why
Who we know, down deep
Just aren’t right?
Why would we rather
Put ourselves through Hell
Than sleep alone at night?
Why does it take catastrophe to start a revolution?
If we’re so free, tell me why?
Someone tell me why
So many people bleed?
Which do you prefer?
Ask the birds
Fear or love, baby?
Don’t say the answer
Actions speak louder than
Louder than, louder than
Louder than, louder than
Which do you prefer?
Ask the birds
Fear or love baby?
Don’t say the answer
Actions speak louder
Louder than, louder than, ooh
Louder than, louder than, ooh
Actions speak louder than
In case you haven’t heard this song, I’ve included the link below. It gives me chills and I hope if you truly listen to the lyrics as they are sung, it will give you those very same chills.
This week, my challenge to you–my readers, my fellow sunshine followers, the world–is to display acts of kindness throughout your daily lives at least once a day. Actions truly speak louder than words, so I’m begging you to make those actions prominent day in and day out.
Our world is in dire need of some positivity and we all have the power inside us to make the vision and love and kindness a reality. Look inside yourself. Truly look inside. Dig deep.
Hug the stranger rather than stare.
Talk to those around you without judgment.
Tell someone in your life why you appreciate them.
Hug those you love.
It’s time to come together and make our actions louder than words.
Sprinkle sunshine always,
JP!
Mr. Sunshine Smiles 