Today we transition to our next Lenten theme which is KINDNESS.
Not too long ago I was scrolling through Facebook and happened upon a video of Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan. The video highlighted their reasons for stepping down as senior royals. They could no longer tolerate the negativity of the press, and for Prince Harry, it continually stirred up the memories of the bullying he witnessed his “Mum” go through. Most striking for me was the tagline at the end of the video which read: “Even the smallest act of kindness can change someone’s life. Choose Kindness!”
The smallest act of kindness, as well as the smallest act of bullying, can have a huge impact on the mental and spiritual well-being of any person. Bullying and meanness are harmful to an individual’s inner peace and even their belief in themselves, and it breaks down the human condition. But we have a choice—Choose Kindness!
Doesn’t the healing of our broken world depend on it?
While kindness has a connotation of meaning someone is weak or naive, that is far from the truth! To be a person of kind character is to be a person of strength and courage. Kindness is a choice we all have the ability to make. There is research that shows a strong connection between being kind to others and becoming/being healthy and well yourself. (1)-The science behind the phenomenon of strangers helping strangers is called “loving-kindness”. It can profoundly affect a person’s attitude, outlook, and health. Read about it sometime [see link below].
Kindness is a virtue and a very sought out one at that! It’s a behavior of ethical characteristics, pleasant disposition, and concern and consideration for others. Who can’t use some kindness in their life these days, especially now with the world crisis of the Coronavirus disease?
Churches, restaurants, businesses, stores, and industries are all being affected by this epidemic. These structures are at the forefront of humanity. No one or nothing is exempt. Thousands of people are getting sick, hundreds of people are dying, and the livelihood of billions of families are at risk.
What this crisis has revealed is that no matter what region of the world we live, what ethnicity we hold or religion we follow, we are all deeply interconnected! And the greatest power we have in this time of social distancing is our bond to each other. Talk about an oxymoron!
Now more than ever before we need to choose kindness—a simple act which can positively impact our thoughts, behaviors, deeds and possibly the balance of our world. This is not a time to selfishly hoard basic needs, but truly a time to share with neighbors and strangers alike. Kindness is what unites us. Choose kindness!
Speaking of kindness, I’m interested in how your Lenten efforts are going. Last week we focused on the act of “giving”. Were you able to engage in any of the suggested activities from our Live Lent calendar? Have you found ways to grow in the practice of prayer, the act of fasting and the art of giving? Do you have an experience or blessing to share? Using the commenting section below, let us know how your Lenten efforts are going.
In working on our own behaviors and practices we can make a difference, and together we can impact our world. How are you going to choose kindness this week?
1 [https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/how-sharing-kindness-can-make-you-healthier-happier/art-20390060]
Keeping you connected:
- Did you miss last week’s Lenten blog, find it here!
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