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)
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!
Love Conquers All
Last night, I posted a drawing to social media like I do every day. But this time, my offering was for the victims who lost their lives in the mass shooting in Orlando, and their friends and families.
Here's was my original post:
“Tonight I spent the evening drawing each victim of the Orlando shooting who died, praying for the families. Sometimes any response feels inadequate. But drawing is what I do, so tonight I did it to honor the victims and their family. There is so much pain.
This is not about politics. This is not about laws. There are already too many opinions and spin doctors. This is not a place for any of that. Please keep any comments to yourself that aren’t grace filled.
This is not about anything but real people. People who were victims. And as a follower of Jesus I believe I am called to show His love, and stand with the broken hearted. As feeble of an attempt as this is, I offer it with my thoughts and prayers, to a hurting community...
”
The reaction has been overwhelming. I always hope that I can create art that moves people, and apparently this has. I am truly humbled. Truth be told, I almost didn't create it. I was feeling like it wasn't enough. There's a story in the Bible where a little boy offers his small lunch of fish & loaves to Jesus, so that He might feed the five thousand. And while I'm not delusional enough to think that my feeble offeirng is in any way comparable, I do pray that it brings whatever healing, encouragement, love, light and hope it can.
If you know any of the victims friend or families, i would love it if you could share this with them. To let them know they are not alone. To let them know that, when one hurts, we all hurt.
I felt like I needed to create a post where I could share the drawings larger. To better honor each person. So I've listed them below. If you pray, why not pray as you view the names and drawings. And do something today to spread love.
Stanley Almodovar III
Amanda Alvear
Oscar A Aracena-Montero
Rodolfo Ayala-Ayala
Antonio Davon Brown
Darryl Roman Burt II
Angel L. Candelario-Padro
Juan Chevez-Martinez
Luis Daniel Conde
Cory James Connell
Tevin Eugene Crosby
Deonka Deidra Drayton
Simon Adrian Carrillo Fernandez
Leroy Valentin Fernandez
Mercedez Marisol Flores
Peter O. Gonzalez-Cruz
Juan Ramon Guerrero
Paul Terrell Henry
Frank Hernandez
Miguel Angel Honorato
Javier Jorge-Reyes
Jason Benjamin Josaphat
Eddie Jamoldroy Justice
Anthony Luis Laureanodisla
Christopher Andrew Leinonen
Alejandro Barrios Martinez
Brenda Lee Marquez McCool
Gilberto Ramon Silva Menendez
Kimberly Morris
Akyra Monet Murray
Luis Omar Ocasio-Capo
Geraldo A. Ortiz-Jimenez
Eric Ivan Ortiz-Rivera
Joel Rayon Paniagua
Jean Carlos Mendez Perez
Enrique L. Rios, Jr.
Jean C. Nives Rodriguez
Xavier Emmanuel Serrano Rosado
Christopher Joseph Sanfeliz
Yilmary Rodriguez Solivan
Edward Sotomayor Jr.
Shane Evan Tomlinson
Martin Benitez Torres
Jonathan Antonio Camuy Vega
Juan P. Rivera Velazquez
Luis S. Vielma
Franky Jimmy Dejesus Velazquez
Luis Daniel Wilson-Leon
Jerald Arthur Wright
