There is a talk that I love that brought to mind the change in the title of this blog. "Remember This: Kindness begins with me" In that talk, there is a specific quote from President Monson of the Mormon Church that I also love. I will type it below for your viewing:
"I please with you to have the courage to refrain from judging and criticizing those around you, as well as the courage to make certain everyone is included and feels loved and valued".
The speaker, Mary N. Cook of the Young Women's General Presidency, goes on to say:
"We can follow the example of the good Samaritan and 'change the world' of just one person by being benevolent. I would like to invite each of you to do at least one Samaritan-like act this coming week. It may require that you reach beyond your usual friends or overcome your shynes. You may courageously choose to serve someone who doesn't treat you well. I promise that if you will extend yourself beyond what is easy to do, you will feel so good inside that kindness will start to become a part of your everyday life. You'll se that benevolence can bring joy and unity to your home, your class, your ward, and your school. 'Remember this: kindness begins with me.' "
There are several things that are brought to mind when I read and remember this talk, first, I am old. (giggle) This talk actually took place in 2011. But I remember the lesson from way back when I was a child. In our church the 13th article of faith states the following: "We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul, We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things."
Now lots of people remember that lost part easily because it does talk about endurance and seeking after good things, but for me, I love the part of it that says: "and in doing good to all men;". We believe in doing good to all men in spite of their circumstances. Somewhere in my tutelage, I remember someone teaching me to never judge and say I'm not going to help someone because they will probably drink it away or they made their bed so now they lie in it? The Savior didn't think that way and in fact offered his service and love to all. The love of the Savior is shown in so many incidences but one of my favorites that goes along with this train of thought that I have started is, that of the harlot. She was about to be stoned to death when the Savior intervened and stopped the stoning by saying: "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her." This is such an important lesson in doing the little acts of kindness that will change a life. Never judge or analyze why they are in the circumstances. Just serve. Serve others. It should never be a choice to serve only the ones that look like they are down on their luck verses the person you presume is a druggie. I have been guilty of it. I have been afraid. But now, it matters not. I have learned my lessons. I will talk about that in another blog. For today, well, serve others without restraint and without pause and without judgment. It will change you and change your life.
So,,,for your pleasure please enjoy the following:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIeA_5yYgB4
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