;)
*A to Z Challenge Alert: I’m playing catch-up today for Letter L, so my post for Letter M – including the Monday Movie Meme -- will be published later in the evening on April 15th.
“I’ve seen things that are so wrong. Now, how can I go back to school and keep my mind on things that are just in books – that aren’t people living?” asks Edie Doyle in the 1950s crime drama “On the Waterfront” starring Marlon Brando. She refused her father’s attempts to send her back to study teaching with nuns, after her brother Joey was murdered by their local corruption-laden dockers union.
Edie’s determination to find out who is guilty and bring justice to Joey’s murder overshadowed her need to flee town during one of the worst possible times in this young woman’s life. Edie’s father only wanted what’s best for her, as he worked very hard to keep her safe, which is understandable, given the unsettling reality that locals in their town had to deal with on a daily basis. Still, she saw the bigger picture -- convincing a priest and dockworker to help her get to the bottom of the crimes being committed on the waterfront. Watching this movie has me thinking about how many of us are often so wrapped up in our own world that we forget to consider the impact that even one person can have on improving the living conditions of other men, women and children.
We might not be able to change the whole world and all of the problems that lay within it, as individuals, but there are still things that can be done to change small portions of the world – one problem, and person, at a time. This does not only include charitable work, volunteering and helping those in need – it also includes making sure that the way you live your live stands for something bigger than yourself. Remember that when you’re going about your routine…
- While you’re in peace and comfort, someone is in distress. Show kindness by doing good –or at least refraining from hostility as often as possible, for you don’t know what the next man or woman is going through.
- When you’re not voting, laws are being changed either in your favor or against it. Put your bid in so that you can be counted.
- While you’re rising in the morning, somebody is dying. Make the best of your days and pay respects and/or condolences to those (or their families) who don’t have any left.
- When you’re eating, somebody is starving. Recycle as much as you can, or at least make as little waste as you can.
- While you’re safe and sound, someone is in danger. If you witness or hear something that isn’t right, speak up or alert those who are in a position to speak up, for there is always an opportunity to save lives.
- When you’re looking the other way, keeping your head in the clouds or down in the sand, the world is becoming a less-than-ideal place to live or raise children. Violence is prevailing, Hatred is being taught, Ignorance is being championed and accepted, Health and Safety risks are being ignored.
We cannot continue to be oblivious to the things that are happening around us, especially if they are things that have a negative impact on the future of our communities.
;)
A while ago, I joined thousands of people around the globe in a community service project called ItStartsWithUs, operated by a man named Josh who encourages individuals to make a positive impact and a difference in the lives of the people around them. Each week, he sends everyone a task that can be completed in an estimated 15 minutes.
Although I haven’t completed all of the tasks, I did complete most of the Love Bomb missions from a spinoff community project – one that only takes about five minutes to complete. This is to say that if I can spend 5-15 minutes per week to visit blogs of people who are facing terminal illnesses, suffering from depression and/or grieving from deceased children, then anyone can spend a few minutes each week signing a petition or making a phone call or sending a greeting card or helping an elderly person with his or her groceries or helping a disabled person cross the street, etc. – especially given the fact that it doesn’t require that much time.
Plus, even Edie Doyle went on a sabbatical to fight crime and inspire a local prizefighter to change the nature of his work environment – not just for themselves, but for all of the dockworkers who depends on the waterfront jobs to survive.
There comes a time when we have to stop learning about what has already happened in the world by reading history books, watching television, browsing the internet and yes -- dare I say it -- even watching movies. We must get out and do something about ourselves and the people around us who are LIVING!
When has a policy or tradition of a town or group of people concerned YOU enough to take action in one way or another?
Of all the people who inspire YOU most, are the majority of these folks living or dead?