we have the power

Never underestimate the impact of a small kindness...

or a [small] cruelty.

                     Pat LaMarche

____________________________

 

it was a small thing really

in the economy of the world

 

not a big gesture

at all

 

just a worn piece of bronze

a little lepton

leaving the hand of that poor widow,

faintly pinging in the mite box  (Luke 21)

 

a small gift of love

from a big heart *

 

sometimes it is the small things

that make the difference

that reveal the soul

 

small kindnesses

small cruelties

 

small cruelties

reveal small hearts, small souls

 

those little slights

those casual rejections

those demeaning labels

that tear at the fragile and the vulnerable

 

we see the casual cruelty of Trump mocking a disabled reporter

we read the small cruelties that flow from twitter and Facebook

we watch the children with a disability mocked

and people who are vulnerable minimized and oppressed

in so many little ways     

 

little ways that when added up become terrifying

 

and sometimes, even destroy

as young people (and older one’s too)

after too many small cruelties

decide that they are worthless, and life is not for them

 

we live in a culture that has monetized

and rewarded cruelty

(think Parler, Twitter, FB and more)

 

but as small cruelties add up

so do small kindnesses

 

a quick smile

a kind word

an small act of compassion

an affirmation

 

can not only change a day, but a life

 

We must never underestimate our power to do ill

Nor must we underestimate our power to do good

 

So let us make kindness

A way of life

you