“Janet Kay, don’t let the words or actions of others take away your kindness.”
Mom’s voice isn’t around, yet I still hear her wisdom. I’ve thought a lot about what she would say with all the turmoil the world is in today.
Growing up, I heard her express her opinions, but never in a harsh way. She felt strongly about many things but never demanded people listen to her or insist she was right. She said when you get loud and insist you are right, people will not listen. She was a wise woman.
If only the world understood her way of thinking and remembered what it was like to be kind.
The definition of kindness is the state of being kind, of treating people with kindness and respect. The two go hand in hand and even heart to heart.
The world shouts, “I’m right, and if you don’t agree with me, you are wrong!” Huh?
There used to be an aisle where people with differing opinions would meet and discuss their differences with civility. Who stole the aisle? Have we lost all manner of civility?
If someone comes at me with a loud voice or words that make me feel bullied, I refuse to accept the invitation to the argument. If they feel like they win … so be it. I learned long ago that you will never win an argument with someone who refuses to listen.
Arguing is like a verbal tug of war, and verbal mud is slung. I refuse to get dirty.
I once heard a minister tell my mom, “Audrey, you are such a wonderful voice of reason on our church board. You offer your thoughts in such a way that people listen. You never make people feel ‘less than’ for their opinion. You refuse to argue yet aren’t afraid to voice your opinion.”
My mom knew how to get her point across yet be kind.
Honestly, I am so over listening to all the shouting on social media and television. I’ve “snoozed” people on Facebook for 30 days, but I may continue. Maybe 60? 90?
Ugly rhetoric and not-so-funny memes clutter my social media, and I’m tired of it all. It’s hard to ignore, but I’m getting better at it.
I refuse to argue politics, religion, or malarkey stuff. You can have a different opinion than I do and still be my friend, but don’t try to cram your opinion down my throat or raise your voice to get your point across. I know the power of silence and am not afraid to use it.
The world is getting louder and meaner, and people are losing their sense of respect and kindness. If children learn by example, what are we teaching our children?
My mother would say it’s a pity that so many people have lost any sense of kindness.
The calm, cool, collected wisdom of Audrey Hart would serve all of us well in modern times. (Photo provided by Janet Hart Leonard)
Do people even think about what they post? Phooey on the facts. If “so and so” posted, it must be true. Seriously? Did they ever play the “telephone” game? The story changes when repeated by just a few people.
Why won’t you post wisely and without malicious intent? Think … will this bring divisiveness? Cheap digs only sling manure.
You can disagree without being bitter and hostile.
Those who demand their way will lose the respect of others. Could you read that again? Social media bullies are alive and well and cause more harm than good.
When you become so righteous that you cannot see that there might be something wrong with your way of thinking, your righteousness may harm others. Ponder that thought.
Our world is more divided, angrier, and loud than ever before. People hide behind their keyboards and create more division. When will it end? Enough is enough!
Audrey Hart isn’t here to voice her opinion, but I am. I’ll choose kindness over demanding my way is right any day. She taught me well.
Mom taught me that if you can’t be kind, be quiet. Measure your words by the length of their kindness. Your words will reach farther, be listened to, and make a difference.
We need more people like Audrey Hart.
Perhaps I sound like I’m preaching this week, but the world is so loud, and it hurts my heart. I just felt I needed to use my words. Okay … sermon over.
Janet Hart Leonard can be contacted at janethartleonard@gmail.com or followed on Facebook or Instagram (@janethartleonard). Visit janethartleonard.com.