Kindness Conspiracy Challenge

The old saying (not that old really) is that everything lives forever on the internet. This is absolutely true. I just stumbled upon an old Wordpress blog I had from a number of years ago.

As I scroll, and occasionally winced, I did come across some things that still hold true today, or I can see the germ of an idea that has now come to fruition. (Then there's all the old photo and such that makes it feel like a full on nostalgia fest)

One of the posts still holds very true to the core of who I am, so I figured I'd repost it. It's really what is behind every piece of art I create and my desire to bring value and benefit to your world. Enjoy!

When I was a kid, my mom used to drag me out to stores. Not toy stores, but stores where she would go clothes shopping. Bored out of my mind, one day I decided that I would start holding the door open for people entering the store. (Obviously in this day and age, a kid by himself by the door would be an easy target to snatch – but let’s hold onto the innocence of another time for the moment). What I encountered was pretty interesting. People smiled and said thank you. And I felt pretty good doing something kind for people that was pretty easy. In an otherwise hurried existence (and maybe holding doors open in a non-hurried culture is more of where you may be from, but probably not) a simple act like holding open a door could brighten someone’s day.

Ever since then, I have made it a habit to hold doors open for people, and say thank you to people (Instilled by my grandma too). Try it today. For one whole day, go out of your way to hold open doors & say thank you. See what happens. You just might brighten someone’s day. And you’ll also be acting according to the “golden rule”  – Do for others what you would want them to do for you.

If you try this, I’d love to hear any stories that might come from your experiences. Feel free to post below. Let’s start a kindness conspiracy!

'Tis the Season... For Sadness and Hope

"Undone" Acrylic on 20x20 canvas. Original painting available for purchase.

I was planning on posting something different today, but I'm following my heart on this one. 

I posted the following on Facebook earlier today and it seems to have resinated with a lot of people, so I'm reposting it here. Someone (maybe you) might need to read this today.

I'm in Starbucks. One woman greets another as they pass. One of the women breaks down crying, delivering sad news to her friend.

I'm reminded once again.

As we walk around this Christmas season, there are people who are doing their best to hold it all together. Every so often, the smiling exterior cracks, as they break down to cry.
It's right there behind their eyes. You might be reading this, tearing up because I just described you. You are carrying the hurt with you always, and can feel invisible.

I see you. You are loved. And not to get all "churchy" - but this season is for you - Christmas. The season when God came to Earth in the form of a little baby. Immanuel means "God with us". He's with you in your brokenness, in your pain, in your sorrow. You are not alone.

Most days I'm just as guilty as anyone of rushing around, not dialed in to those around me. There's stuff to get done. Hurry pushes me along. And I miss those who are hurting right in front of me. And the Christmas season usually just amps things up even more. 

What if we were more intentional about looking and seeing the people right in front of us?

We might just be the answer to someone's prayer. A shoulder to cry on. A helping hand. Even a moment of acknowledging someone else's pain. Entering it for a few moments in time. It just might make all the difference.  

The thing is, we all know that when we've been in that dark hurting place, what a lifeline it was when people around us cared for us. Really cared. What happens to those who don't have close friends or family? Or those who stuff their emotions because they were taught that you just don't share them with others. The silent suffering.

I found myself praying today "God, give me eyes to see those who are hurting. And if you want, use me to bring some hope, even if it's just for a moment."

Even if you're not the praying kind, may I challenge you to take a moment out and look around you for someone who is hurting?

Holy Sidekick Batman!

Recently, I was at a conference called "Tribe" hosted by author Jeff Goins. In his opening, Jeff talked about the power of being a side kick. Being the comic book / pop culture geek I am, he had my attention instantly. 

Everyone naturally wants to be THE hero. The one who swoops in to save the day, and also receives all the accolades. But what we really need more of are the sidekicks. Everyone wants to grow up to be Batman. No one wants to be Robin. 

We tend to think the sidekick is "lesser than" somehow. But it's time to rethink that. The sidekick comes along side, and helps. He leverages what he has for the greater good. He provides a service and value. And THAT should be our goal as well – leveraging our craft to benefit the lives of others. To bring them value. To serve them. 

Later during the same conference, another speaker, Carlos Whittaker challenged us all not to look for spotlight moments, but moments where we can take others along with us. He posed the question "How can we use whatever platform we have to help someone else?"

This idea of serving, offering true value and help to others keeps coming up in my world. Even this morning, while I was in a networking meeting, this very topic emerged again. It rings so true to my own personal values of wanting to be help to those around me, both personally and professionally, that i have included this in my overarching purpose statement:

"To create engaging visuals and ideas that bring value to people, and glory to my Creator."

So, I'm ok with being Robin (just don't ask me to wear tights). The more people I can help with my art and craft, the better. You won't see a "Robin" sign in the sky, but if you look around, there is always someone in need of help.

So, what about you? Where can you provide value and service in your craft to be a help to other people? If you're doing that already, where is a new opportunity or expression you might be able to explore? Leave a comment below. I'd love to hear what you think!

Until next time, Same Bat time, Same bat channel.

For more sidekick fun, check out this list of Robin's exclamations!