Does this letter find you a little sad? Maybe a little down? Maybe feeling a little blue? Depressed? Discouraged? Is it the winter blahs? Not likely.
It is likely the cumulative effective of so many voices (politicians, media, morons, etc.) telling us the world is a terrible place. And – to be sure – there are lots of things happening in this world that would make the most optimistic person (that would likely be me) question their beliefs. And – to these many voices – things have never been worse. Our world is heading down a dark and foreboding path. If you continue to listen to the 1% who spew this garbage it would hard to not be sad, down, and blue.
But these manipulators and con-artists are wrong. The world – for all its many, many faults – is a wondrous and glorious place filled with amazing and loving people. I have the advantage in my profession, with my company, and through my church to interact with hundreds and hundreds of people day in and day out. I declare to you that they are wonderful. I can tell you they are loving and joyful and accepting and peace loving. The vast majority (95% or more) of the people I encounter love God, love our country, and love their families and friends. They carry little or no hatred (except perhaps for the people they know are trying to destroy our way of life), embrace our differences, can laugh at themselves, and find joy in the laughter of a baby – any baby!
This gives me great hope for the future. I agree with the words of the immortal George Harrison when he wrote:
“Little darlin’, it’s been a long, cold, lonely winter
Little darlin’, it feels like years since it’s been here
Here comes the sun, doo-doo-doo-doo
Here comes the sun, and I say / It’s alright
Little darlin’, the smile’s returning to their faces
Little darlin’, it seems like years since it’s been here
Here comes the sun / Here comes the sun, and I say
It’s alright”
I believe we must choose to exit this man-made winter of hatred and divisiveness. For their own agendas some people (politicians, media, morons, etc.) want us to believe we are on the verge of civil war. They want us to believe we hate each other. They want us to believe that only they have the answers. I know better.
I have seen your kindness and compassion. I have seen your generous spirit and joy in helping others. I have seen your love for all people. I have heard your prayers for peace. I have witnessed your amazing triumphs of spirit. You make me believe ‘here comes the sun’. You make me believe there is great hope for our future.
In the words of Maya Angelou,
“My wish for you is that you continue. Continue to be who and how you are, to astonish a mean world with your acts of kindness. Continue to allow humor to lighten the burden of your tender heart.”
Don’t you dare change a thing. Be yourself. Confuse the idiots with your willingness to be positive in the face of their self-serving hysterics. Stay calm, stay kind, and stay prayerful. Use humor to add light to your days and smiles to those you love. Stay engaged. Stand up for what is right and know that you are surrounded by millions and millions of Americans who are just like you.
1% of America (politicians, media, and morons) are trying to convince us we are just like them – filled with hatred and greed. You are not. You are filled with light and love. Don’t be afraid. Boldly share your love and light. Know that you are surrounded by legions of folks who are just like you. And maybe, if you boldly share your love and light, others might find the courage to openly follow you. And you already know what follows:
‘Here Comes the Sun!’
Please allow us to serve you and those you love.
Thank you,
Gene
P.S. Boldly share your light and love!