I won’t delve into politics other than to say that regardless of your political inclinations today is a new day, with a new reality. It’s time to move forward and work towards whatever definition of good you believe in.
After this period of exceptional divisiveness, I believe it’s important to realize two things:
- Regardless of their specific opinions and votes, the vast majority of people acted out of what they honestly perceive as being in the best interest of their country. Their intentions were genuinely good.
- The vast majority of people are genuinely good.
That later point remains what HeroicStories is all about. To quote the mission, “people are good, […] individuals and individual action matter“. This position, that belief, has not changed whatsoever.
Take the time to grieve, or celebrate, as appropriate. But then also take the time to reflect on the fact that you can’t cure divisiveness with divisiveness. It’s critical that we all recognize each other as well-meaning individuals – individuals who are worthy of our respect, and respectful disagreement as appropriate.
It does seem that more now than ever, we need the rest of the HeroicStories mission: “regularly showing examples of people being good to each other will inspire similar actions in others“.
As always, I encourage you to submit your stories – share your examples.
On to the last few weeks of stories and comments….
The School Bus Driver
A deviled ham sandwich saves the day for one little girl.
Gretchen says: Now THAT made me smile. Thank you!
Cheryl says: What a lovely and generous act – thank you for sharing it.
Sergio Lobo says: A million dollar lottery win, and a gesture if conceding to someone your place in a long queue, give the same feeling of happiness and gratitude.
Bucking the Crowd
A mother’s fearlessness teaches courage to the whole family.
Jane Peranteau says: These kinds of stories are so important to share, especially now, in the face of events like Standing Rock, ND. Was it Margaret Mead who said don’t think one person can’t make a difference, that’s all that ever has? We need to do it, for ourselves and for our world.
Bill R. says: I think it often happens that some, or perhaps even most, of the people who are spectators to something bad, be it an incident of schoolground bullying, a brawl like that described in “Bucking the Crowd”, or a manifestation of prejudice against some weaker member or members of society, are not so much active participants as people who don’t quite have the courage necessary to initiate action to stop the incident and rectify the situation, but would do so if *someone*, anyone, made that first move. The mother in this story was just such a person, and her decision and courage when faced with such a situation is worth emulating.
If That’s All You Need
Late in the evening a gas station opens up a bay for a needed repair.
SherryD says: They don’t call the middle of the USA “the Heartland” for nothing. It’s because the people that live there (and I was born and raised in Kansas so consider myself “one of them”) have heart and will seldom, if ever, let someone in need go without help. I’m so proud of the way my fellow heartlanders support their fellow man, regardless of race, creed or religion. The media today would have you believe that that all of humanity is selfish, heartless and thinks of no one except me, me, me. Thank you for printing a prime example of what people are really like. God bless you and God bless America
betty says: I think most of RURAL America would help today. Despite all the horrible things going on in our world, we DO want to do the neighborly thing, and help others who need it…
A Single Dollar Bill
A little gift saves a romantic weekend.
Bunny says: This story made me smile this morning. I’ve done that myself occasionally – paid a bridge toll for the person behind me. It’s lovely to see their expression or to see them try to figure out why I would do something like that. The Random Act of Kindness is a beautiful thing.
Sherry says” A beautiful story and a wonderful way to lift someones spirits. I’m fond of “paying it forward” myself. Just to see the smile from the recipient. Lifts my spirits and theirs. Maybe pay for the coffee for the person behind you line or gift the grocery cart at stores that charge for them. A simple “pay it forward” reply to the person’s thanks is enough to get that smile and assurance that they will indeed gift others.
Until next month,
Leo A. Notenboom
Publisher: https://heroicstories.org
Co-Conspirator to Make the World a Better Place