Moral Lessons

Published January 9, 2023

We’re all familiar with the phrase “share your blessings”. You’ve probably heard it multiple times before. But what does this really mean, and why is it so hard to do?

Admit it or not, when thinking about sharing what we have with others, there’s usually that hesitation. I mean, in a world where success is measured on your material possessions, the concept of giving away something we’ve worked hard for can be difficult to grasp.

Some may think that giving to the less fortunate is only for the super-rich because they have so much to spare. While others just find it hard to part ways with their money, especially if they get nothing in return.

If you’re struggling to grasp the idea of sharing what you have with others, no worries. That’s what this post is for. To help you understand the importance of sharing our blessings, let’s first define what it really means.

What It Means to Share Our Blessings

When someone tells us to share our blessings, the first thing that comes to mind is giving alms to the poor or donating to charity. But while these are great ways of helping others, sharing your blessings goes way beyond handing out money.

You see, sharing our blessings should be voluntary. It involves willingness and desire – a willingness to partake with your belongings and a desire to help others.

If you’re giving something to others because you’re expecting to receive something back or for personal gain, you’re not really sharing your blessings. You’re just facilitating an exchange transaction – giving something in exchange for another.

Also, if you’re sharing your blessings just because society tells you to, you’re just putting on a show. You’re not really sharing your blessings to help others but to impress the people around you.

Remember, giving should come from the heart. You must be ready and willing to sacrifice what you have so others can enjoy it too.

Published December 26, 2022

It’s ironic that in a time where freedom of expression is more valued than ever, expressing a personal opinion can ignite a blood feud (figuratively and sometimes literally).

Nowadays, simply agreeing or disagreeing with a post online can earn you threats from people who don’t even know your name. In social media threads, a simple discussion can easily turn into a heated debate.

You see, this is exactly what’s wrong with the world today. In our bid to make ourselves heard, we’ve also lost the ability to listen to what other people have to say.

So why is it important to respect others’ opinions?

Because respect begets respect. It’s as simple as that. If you want people to respect your views and opinions, you need to respect theirs too.

Besides, the lack of respect for others’ opinions has always been humanity’s biggest downfall. Since ancient times, wars have been waged, and entire civilizations destroyed just because one person thinks they’re right and all others are wrong.

If we want to change this narrative, we need to start respecting other people’s opinions. We need to learn to see things from perspectives other than our own.

The Importance of Respecting Others’ Opinions

Aside from a mutual obligation to respect each other, there are many more reasons why we need to listen to what other people have to say. Here are some of them:

1. It expands your horizon.

In different cultures, a dog’s bark is heard and represented in various different ways. In the US, it’s usually represented as “woof, woof”. While Italians hear and write it as “bau, bau”. So, which of them is correct?

Well, they all are. Whether it’s “bau bau”, “arf arf”, or “au au”, it’s the same dog’s bark.

This is the importance of respecting others’ opinions. It teaches you to acknowledge that there isn’t only one version of the truth.

What might be true for you may not necessarily be the same for others. And other people’s truths may not always coincide with your beliefs. This, in turn, opens your mind and expands your horizons.

You see, refusing to acknowledge that others may also be right is like putting yourself in a box. When you only hear what you want to hear, you stop growing, and you stop learning. If everyone thinks that way, how can society progress?

2. Everyone has something to teach the other.

One of the reasons why we have differing opinions is that we all have different experiences. No two people have the same exact life experiences. Even conjoined twins experience things differently.

Because of these different life experiences, all of us can learn something from each other. But this won’t be possible if we fail to acknowledge and respect each other’s opinions.

3. Each of us is entitled to our opinions.

There’s a reason why God gave us the ability to think rationally. It’s because He wants us to form our own opinions. Therefore, we should all be entitled to express them. If we all acknowledge this basic right, then it’d be much easier to see things from other people’s perspectives.

4. It’s a self-esteem booster.

Children who are encouraged to express their opinions grow up confident and more socially adjusted. The same is true for everyone, regardless of age.

If you make someone feel that you respect their opinion and that what they think matters, it gives them courage to speak up even more. They become more confident in expressing themselves.

As a result, they won’t have to bottle up their thoughts and feelings inside of them. This, in turn, reduces their risk of developing depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.

5. The world will be so much more peaceful.

This goes without saying. If we all learn to respect each other’s opinions, there will be less chaos. We’ll be able to communicate more effectively without the need for insults and profanity. In short, the world will be a lot more peaceful.

Published October 25, 2022

Everyone has someone who looks up to them. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, brother, sister, boss, or even a friend, chances are there’s someone who considers you as their role model. And I bet, you want to be a good role model for those who look up to you.

But what exactly is a role model?

We often hear the term being thrown about when someone talks about setting an example for others. But very few of us know what these two words really imply. And being a good role model requires a deeper understanding of what the term really means.

No worries. That’s what this post is about. To help you determine how to be a good role model, let’s first understand the definition of a role model.

Role Model Definition

By definition, a role model is a person looked to by others as an example to be imitated. Just like how a model incites emulation, a role model represents an ideal and inspires others to follow in their footsteps.

You see, as humans, we have that tendency to idolize people. It’s evidenced by how our society is structured and our fascination for celebrities and lately, influencers. 

That’s why, for most people, a role model exhibits particular behavioral or social characteristics that they find desirable. It’s like how parents are their children’s role models or how teachers inevitably become role models for their students.

But a role model is more than just a person whose behavior inspires emulation.

A role model influences others by setting an example. That means they have a huge responsibility on their shoulders. The parent’s actions, for instance, are often imitated by their children. While a teacher’s behavior sets a precedence for their students. It shows in how they behave in school, treat other people, and make difficult decisions.

But you need to remember that not everyone can distinguish right from wrong. Little children, for instance, will just copy their parent’s actions thinking that they’re right even if they are morally or legally wrong. This is how being a role model impacts society. We help shape the lives and characters of other people.

That’s why we have a huge responsibility on our shoulders to set a good example for those who look up to us. If we fail to become good role models for others, especially for the next generation, then society will be doomed.

Published October 4, 2022

There’s a famous saying that goes: train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Indeed, a child’s formative years play a big role in how they behave as adults. At this age, they are like sponges. They absorb everything that adults around them do. The things you teach your child today will stay with them until their later years.

That’s why if you want your kid to grow up to be a kind and warm-hearted person, you need to teach them as early as now. To help you out, we’ve listed down some of the random acts of kindness for kids to learn.

Acts of Kindness for Kids at Home

1. Feed stray cats and dogs.
2. Make your own bed.
3. Throw your trash in the proper garbage bin.
4. Make someone else’s bed.
5. Clean up toys without being asked.
6. Feed the birds.
7. Plant something.
8. Don’t waste food.
9. Take out the trash without being asked.
10. Turn off the water while brushing your teeth.
11. Help around the house without being asked to.
12. Clear up a mess you didn’t make.
13. Pick up litter from the ground and put it in the trash bin.
14. Help sweep the yard without being asked.
15. Leave food and water outside for the birds.
16. Set up or clear up the dining table without being asked.
17. Put your shoes and coat in the right place after school rather than dumping them on the floor.
18. Watch over your younger brothers and sisters if your parents have something important to do.
19. Clean your room without being told.
20. Help make dinner
21. Turn off the lights when not in use.
22. Help shovel the snow or rake the leaves.
23. Listen to your parents.
24. Play with your younger siblings.
25. Feed your pet and clean their cage/s without being asked.
26. Help your sibling with their chores.
27. Help put away empty dishes.

Acts of Kindness Ideas for Kids at School

1. Let someone get ahead in line.
2. Return books to the library.
3. Recycle paper after drawing.
4. Return what you borrowed.
5. Sit next to someone you normally don’t at the lunch table.
6. Share your food with a hungry kid.
7. Bring flowers to your teacher.
8. Tell your teacher when someone is being bullied.
9. Write thank-you notes to your parents and teachers.
10. Help a classmate who has a hard time with their classwork.
11. Use your pocket money to buy food for your classmate who can’t afford lunch.
12. Share your paper and other school supplies with your classmates.
13. Donate your old school uniform to a schoolmate in need.
14. Offer to play with someone nobody wants to play with.
15. Teach younger kids.
16. Share the game equipment you’re playing with, even if you had it first.
17. Offer to hand out the fruit and milk at snack time in school.
18. Show the new kids around your school.
19. Buy ice cream for a kid who can’t afford them.
20. Pack extra lunch or snacks for your classmate who hasn’t got any.
21. Clear your table after having lunch at the school cafeteria.
22. Help the teacher put up chairs.
23. Help the teacher clean the chalkboard.
24. Give up a bus seat for a disabled schoolmate.
25. Make a get-well card for a sick classmate or teacher.
26. Volunteer to hand out assignments.

Acts of Kindness for Friends

1. Compliment a friend.
2. Send a postcard to a friend.
3. Share a toy with a friend.
4. Offer to help an elderly friend or neighbor.
5. Make a get-well card for someone.
6. Make a homemade gift for someone.
7. Visit a sick friend or relative.
8. Send a get-well card to a sick family member, friend, or neighbor.
9. Lend your books to your friends.
10. Give high fives to a friend.
11. Share a snack with a friend.
12. Help a friend with an assignment or project.
13. Surprise a friend on their birthday.
14. Make a friend laugh.
15. Cheer for a friend.

Published Oct 24, 2021

For Christians, the Bible is one of the best sources of stories with moral lessons. So if you’re looking for stories about helping others, look no further than the Bible.

From the Old to the New Testament, the Bible abounds with stories about helping others, charity, and kindness. Here are some of them:

1. The Good Samaritan

When we talk about helping others, there’s no bible story more famous than the Parable of the Good Samaritan.

If you’re not familiar with the story, it’s about a Samaritan who helped a Jew who was beaten and left to die on the side of the road. A Jewish priest first passed by him followed by a Levite but both ignored the dying man. And then a third man passed by – a Samaritan. Taking pity on the man, the Samaritan bandaged up his wounds and took him to the nearest inn to recover. He even paid the innkeeper to take care of the Jew until he is fully recovered.

The most compelling part of this story is that, in Jesus’ time, Jews and Samaritans are sworn enemies. And it’s not just a simple family or tribal feud. We’re talking about a deep-rooted hatred that goes back generations. Because of this, they don’t talk to nor trust each other.

Yet, as the story tells us, among all the three people who passed by the dying man, only the Samaritan stopped and helped. He didn’t care that the dying man was a Jew. Instead, he only saw a fellow human being who was in great need of help.

This is what makes the Good Samaritan Parable one of the greatest Bible stories about helping others. It tells us that kindness has no race or borders. If someone is in need and we are in a position to extend help, we should. Someone’s belief, skin color, or religion shouldn’t matter because we all belong to the same race – the human race.

2. Moses and the Pharaoh’s Daughter

Most Christians are familiar with who Moses is and how he helped free the Israelites from slavery. Yet the story of how he, an Israelite, became the son of an Egyptian princess is often left untold.

Moses was born at a time when there was much fear among Egyptians that the Israelites might one day rise up against them. So the king of Egypt ordered that all baby boys born to a Hebrew (another name for Israelite) mother must be killed.

To save his life, Moses’ mother put him in a basket and allowed the basket to float down the Nile river. At that moment, one of Pharaoh’s daughters was taking a bath in the said river. When she saw the floating basket, she became curious and asked one of her servants to pluck it from the water.

Upon opening the basket, she saw that it was a Hebrew baby. Knowing full well the danger he was in, she took pity on Moses and decided to adopt him. And that’s how Moses grew up in the court of the Egyptian king.

Just like the parable of the good Samaritan, Moses’ adoption story proves that kindness transcends race. The Egyptian princess was well aware of her father’s orders. Yet she went against him and risked his wrath just to save the boy. She may not have known it at that time but her act of kindness eventually saved an entire nation.

3. Jonathan and David

What would you do if you learned that your father intends to kill your best friend? This was exactly the dilemma faced by Jonathan, son of the Israelite king Saul.

Saul was the reigning king of Israel when God instructed the prophet, Samuel, to anoint the successor He chose. So Samuel went and anointed David, a shepherd’s son from the town of Bethlehem. David went on to serve the king and even commanded an army. He and Saul seemed to get along well in the beginning.

At this time, Saul’s son, Jonathan, took a liking to David. The two became good friends and even made an oath to protect each other.

But when David killed the giant Goliath, the people started singing him praise. This triggered intense jealousy in Saul. He tried to kill David twice but failed. So he sent him to fight in battles hoping the enemies will do the job he failed to do. But instead of being killed, he won battle after battle.

When Saul heard about this, he became even more furious and ordered his men to kill David. When his son Jonathan heard about this, he warned David and he was able to escape. Then Jonathan convinced his father to spare David but his father’s wrath just intensified so he helped David escape back to his hometown.

Upon learning about what his son did, Saul exploded. He told Jonathan that he can never be king as long as David is alive. To which Jonathan replied, “why should he be put to death? what has he done?”. In his anger, Saul almost killed his son but Jonathan did not falter. He protected David even if it meant going against his father.

At first glance, Jonathan and David’s story might seem like a perfect example of a story about true friendship. But it also tells us that helping others requires great sacrifices. Imagine choosing between your father and the possibility of being a king, and your best friend’s life. But sometimes, you just have to do what your conscience tells you is right no matter what it may cost.

What does it really mean to be a good citizen? If you’ve been asking yourself this question, then you’re not alone. With everything that’s happening in our country (and the world) right now, the definition of being a good citizen tends to vary for every person. Most of the time, it’s based on their political views and their stand on certain issues.

But being a good citizen goes beyond the black and white of politics. It doesn’t matter which side of the political spectrum you’re on. What matters is how you make this country a better place to live in.

If you don’t know where to start, here are some suggestions on how to be a good citizen:

1. Be Patriotic

The dictionary defines patriotism as the love for or devotion to one’s country. This is why being patriotic is one of the most important qualities of a good citizen.

You see, when you love someone, you only want the best for them. The same thing applies when you love your country. You don’t want it to come to harm. Rather, you want it to improve and be the best that it can be. And if necessary, make sacrifices for it to achieve greatness.

2. Give Back to the Community

As citizens and human beings, we are morally obliged to look out for our brothers and sisters in need. It’s what makes us a society. So if you want to be a good citizen, give back to your community. Donate to charities and volunteer in non-profit organizations. Help the poor and the sick. Start a fundraising activity for a worthwhile cause. Whatever it is, as long as you make other people’s lives better, then you have already done your duty as a citizen of this country.

3. Be a Productive Member of Society

To be a productive member of society means actively contributing to its betterment. The operative term here is “productive” which is the same as “useful”. That’s why being one is essentially the basic requirement of being a good citizen. A productive member of society is someone who is of use to the society he/she belongs to. They are the ones who make a positive contribution to the country. In short, a good citizen.

4. Take Part in Social Issues

Admit it or not, most of us tend to take part in social issues only when it concerns us. But being a good citizen also means getting involved in issues plaguing the country – even if it doesn’t directly affect you. This doesn’t necessarily mean going out in the streets and taking part in rallies and demonstrations. Just being aware of those issues and educating others about them is a good start. Though actively doing your part to solve those issues would be much better.

5. Vote

Voting is one of the ways you can show your country that you care. Whether it’s your local school board or the national elections, your vote can make a change. It’s not just a right but a responsibility. Besides, there are so many people in the world right now who are robbed of the right to vote. Don’t waste that opportunity given to you.

6. Mentor Someone

Sharing your knowledge is one of the greatest gifts you can give to your country. If our ancestors didn’t share their knowledge, no civilization would flourish. So go ahead. Mentor someone. Ask your local school board for any after-school teaching opportunities. If you have a particular skill you want to share, you can also offer internship opportunities to the youth in your local community.

Published Aug 01, 2021

When you hear the word “kindness”, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Is it about being nice to other people? Or is it doing good things whenever possible?

Truth is, there is more to kindness than being nice and doing right by others. In fact, there may not be a single word that can describe the true meaning of kindness.

The dictionary defines kindness as the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. Other synonyms of kindness are goodwill, warmth, tenderness, selflessness, and benevolence.

Yet none of those terms can truly convey the significance and complexity of the word.

What is Kindness?

According to Mark Twain, kindness is the language that the deaf can hear and the blind can see. He is trying to tell us that kindness is universal. It can traverse boundaries, race, and even disabilities.

But does this define kindness? In a way, yes. But it’s just one facet of being kind.  

Another inspirational figure who attempted to untangle the complex definition of kindness is the Dalai Lama. He said:

“This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness.”

While American politician Frank A. Clark said that kindness makes a fellow feel good whether it’s being done to him or by him.

So what does this tell us?

This just demonstrates how wide and varied our interpretation of the word is. The meaning of kindness is relative to each individual and there is no one right definition of the word.

It comes in many forms and may not always be as simple as doing good things. What comes as “good” and “right” for someone may not necessarily be viewed as such by another. 

In theory, what counts as right and good is clear-cut. We are taught that doing good things constitutes kindness. But in reality, what’s “good” isn’t always obvious. There are instances when the boundaries between good and bad are muddled. And making a choice to be kind isn’t always easy.

But as Orly Wahba said:

“When you’re faced with a choice, choose to inspire, choose to empower, choose to stand for those who have lost the will to stand for themselves.”

Different people tend to look at kindness in different ways. But empathy, understanding, and compassion are universal. Accepting and helping everyone no matter who they are or where they came from is kindness in and of itself.

Kindness in the Bible

There are a lot of verses in the bible that define kindness.

In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, he has this to say about kindness:

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32)

While in another letter to the Colossians, he wrote:

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience (Colossians 3:12)

This means that being kind to others is your own way of following in God’s footsteps. It’s the ultimate expression of your love for God. It’s how we tell Him that we are choosing Him in as much as He chose us.

Proverbs 11:17 also tells us that a man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself. Indeed, kindness not only makes others happy. It uplifts your spirit too.

Just think of the last time you’ve done a random act of kindness. What did you feel? I’m sure you felt satisfied and elated. Not the self-serving kind of satisfaction, but a genuine feeling of happiness that only comes from helping others.

Published July 4, 2021

In Christianity, “virtue” is defined as the habitual and firm disposition to do the good. While traditional philosophy says that virtue is the “conformity of life and conduct with the principles of morality”. It allows people to perform good acts and give the best of themselves. It is embedded in our being and influences the way we act and react to things around us.

In short, our virtues are the good things we do that define us.

As Christians, our moral obligation is to cultivate and practice the virtues that we were taught as children. Not only that, but we need to pass it on to our children and grandchildren. We are their role models and they are our hope for a better world. If we can instill in them these virtues and train them up to be better Christians, then that is the greatest legacy we’ll ever leave.

Here are some of the Christian virtues that we need to teach the next generation.

1. Kindness

In an age where we can pick a fight with a stranger we haven’t even seen in person, kindness seems like an option more than a virtue. We tend to be kind only to those people we like and block those we hate. It’s become easier for us to criticize people for their faults without even acknowledging the good things they’ve done.

Is this really the kind of world we want the next generation to inherit?

In the bible, it says:

“A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself.” (Proverbs 11:17)

Indeed, kindness begets kindness. If you want to be treated with kindness, then be kind to others. This is the lesson we need to impart to our children. Nothing ever good comes out of cruelty. Thus, in every waking moment, choose to be kind. No matter who that person is, where they’re from, or how they’ve treated you.

2. Love

When we hear the word “love”, we often think of the romantic kind. But love comes in all forms. It’s the binding force that keeps humanity alive and makes life worth living.

Unfortunately, it is also the most overused word. People throw it around so casually that it has lost its meaning. And that is what we need to teach the next generation: the true essence of love.

In his letter to the Corinthians, St. Paul describes love as:

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hope, always perseveres. – 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Though this does not entirely capture the complexity of love, it’s a good start. We must teach them to love one another as we are all God’s children.

3. Honesty

In one of his songs, American singer Billy Joel lamented that “honesty” is such a lonely word. That’s because this virtue is so much lacking in the world today.

Even our movies and TV shows make us think that cheating is normal. Almost everyone has cheated someone at some point in one way or another so that it doesn’t shock us anymore. This is why random acts of honesty become headlines. It’s why we offer rewards to people who return things to their rightful owners. Admit it or not, being honest has become the exception rather than the norm.

This is why we need to teach our children the virtue of honesty. Let us teach them to value integrity over material possessions. Show them that true happiness comes from being able to sleep peacefully at night knowing that you did not take advantage of anyone.

Published May 30, 2021

Most of us want to make a difference – to not just live, but to live with a purpose. But making a difference usually entails sacrifices. Unfortunately, few are willing to give up the relative comfort of their safe zones for the sake of making the world a better place.

As we make our way into the world, we tend to become so wrapped up in all our concerns. We forget that others have their own struggles too. Or that we can do something to ease their sufferings, even if we are having a tough time ourselves.

Truth is, we can all make a difference. No matter how small or how insignificant your effort may seem, it can make an impact. Just like how a small drop of water can cause ripples, you too can effect change. Small actions like giving a sandwich to a homeless man or even just being there can make a world of difference for that person. Now, imagine if all of us will do that for each other.

If you’re still not convinced, these quotes about making a difference will change your mind:

1. In a gentle way, you can shake the world. – Mahatma Gandhi
2. The purpose of life is to contribute in some way to making things better. – Robert F. Kennedy
3. We rise by lifting others. – Robert Ingersoll
4. Each of us can make a difference. Together we make change. – Barbara Mikulski
5. No work is insignificant. All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence. – Martin Luther King Jr.
6. Never underestimate the difference YOU can make in the lives of others. Step forward, reach out, and help. This week reach to someone that might need a lift. – Pablo
7. Anyone who thinks that they are too small to make a difference has never tried to fall asleep with a mosquito in the room. – Christine Todd Whitman
8. If you can find ways to give people hope that they can achieve something or make a difference, then there’s an opportunity for something good to happen. – Jeffrey Skoll
9. No act of kindness no matter how small is ever wasted.- Aesop
10. Great leaders don’t set out to be a leader, they set out to make a difference. It’s never about the role, always about the goal. – Jeremy Bravo
11. Go into the world and do well. But more importantly, go into the world and do good. – Minor Myers
12. Kindness can transform someone’s dark moment with a blaze of light. You’ll never know how much your caring matters. Make a difference for another today. – Amy Leigh Mercree
13. Even though the world is large, one person can still make a world of difference. – Frank Sonnenberg
14. You are never too insignificant to make a difference. – Gift Gugu Mona
15. We’re here to bring beauty to the world and make a difference in this planet. That’s what art forms are about. – Charlie Haden
16. The question is not whether you can make a difference in the world but what useful difference you can make! – Mehmet Murat Ildan
17. You may find that making a difference for others makes the biggest difference in you. – Brian Williams
18. Stand for something. Make your life mean something. Start where you are with what you have. You are enough. – Germany Kent
19. You do only live once, and I feel like if I’m able to make a difference on this planet and make it just a little better than I found it, then I’ve done my job. – Bindi Irwin
20. The best the world has to offer comes from the best you have to give to others. – Matshona Dhliwayo
21. When you are called for a great duty because you have been given a great ability, do your very best to leave great footprints no matter what! – Ernest Agyemang Yeboah
22. Love people who hate you. Pray for people who have wronged you. It won’t just change their life…it’ll change yours. – Mandy Hale
23. When you believe in what you’re doing and use your imagination and initiative, you can make a difference. – Samuel Dash
24. It is our job to make a difference and leave the world a better place. – Karol G.
25. Love is a great gift, cherish it, share it, and make this world a better place with the love you have to give. – Heather Wolf
26. Make a difference in someone’s life every day. It does make a difference. Everyone has the ability to make a difference. It doesn’t take much to give someone encouragement. The wheel always comes full circle, and whatever we give out will always return to us. The most meaningful acts are often the ones we commit without prompting or expectations. We have such profound power when we lend an ear, a hand, or an act of kindness. – Angie Karan
27. If you have much, give of your wealth; if you have little, give of your heart. – Arabian Proverb
28. It is better to have a meaningful life and make a difference than to merely have a long life. – Bryant H. McGill
29. Whatever change you desire for the world, create that change in your own life. You are here for a purpose. Seek it out. Hunt it down. The greatest misery is to be purposeless. The great depression of our age is not economic, but spiritual. Our spiritual poverty is rooted in our purposelessness. – Matthew Kelly
30. We all owe everyone for everything that happens in our lives. But it’s not owing like a debt to one person- it’s really that we owe everyone for everything. Our whole lives can change in an instance- so each person who keeps that from happening, no matter how small a role they play, is also responsible for all of it. Just by giving friendship and love, you keep the people around you from giving up – and each expression of friendship or love may be the one that makes all the difference. – Will Schwalbe