In the wake of the El Paso shootings, there are amazing things occurring. I am not missing the fact that bad things, terrible things have happened. But clearly, that cannot be “how it ends”.
Folks are stepping up, doing things. It so reminds me of September 12th, the day after the towers fell in New York City.
This is not about politics, laws or any of that. It is all about people. Our responsible response to what has occurred and how we will work on things. {{more}}
One of the “best” stories I have uncovered is the one about an 11-year-old who started the El Paso Challenge. The challenge is for each person to do 22 good deeds, to represent each life that was lost.
11-year-old starts ‘El Paso Challenge’ for the community to do 22 good deeds for each lives lost
In the midst of the incident itself there were folks who stood up, helping others.
A mural is a reminder and tribute.
That is some of the goodness flowing out of El Paso.
I love responders and all that they do. We are a better people because of the response. I am grateful to them. I love the positive things that have occurred in response to the tragedy that has hit.
But, at some point we have to ask, do we want to always be responding, or is there something we can do, to cause people to feel connected, loved, included? I think the answer is “YES”. I think we need to become provocateurs of goodness. Initiators of kindness.
I want to say that while I absolutely believe in prayer, good thoughts and best wishes, I also realize we are going to have to “get our hands dirty”. We need to engage with one another and not allow for the media to dictate our principles, so often highlighting what is wrong, rather than what is right.
As long as we have people, we have the potential to see change.
While looking for stories, I saw this headline… ‘The loneliest generation’: 22 percent of millennials say they have ‘no friends,’ according to study
I can print all the good stories you can send me, but unless I am willing to be an agent of change, it is all for naught.
I am an American Ninja Warrior fan and one of my favorites, is Jesse Graffe. Each time she competes, you will see signs that say, “Be Your Own Hero”. She says this about her T-shirts, “I made this one for all the little girls* who say they want to be me when they grow up. Thank you so much, but it is even cooler to be YOU!” #BeYourOwnHero
*It’s not actually JUST for little girls. It is for everyone who wants to be their own hero.
If 11-year-olds can institute change, then so can you and I.
Let us become Positivity Provocateurs, who are willing to get involved in making their communities better.
Lee Johndrow is a husband, a father of five, grandfather to 8, and friend to many. He is the owner of Positive News For You, LLC, the president of PN4UINC and Senior Leader of Abundant Grace Fellowship Church in Keene, New Hampshire.
