Friday - Dialog Day: Just do it.

Sorry for the delay.  Faith and I have both been so sick, I lost track of time.  And she needed me more than anyone else last night.

I was going to write on a topic of particular importance to me right now - especially with certain events going on in my life.  However, I was going to have to get it pre-approved by my legal counsel.  I didn't have time.  That being said, I have a prior post that is already on my blog - so that's that.  It's out there already.  With the lack of time and all of our illnesses, I'm going to post it over here.  I'm so sorry I missed out on my last opportunity to share, but I've really enjoyed my time here at Create a Connection.

All I will say in regards to the post below and how it relates to my current state of mind:  if more people did the right thing, if more people chose to make decisions that helped others, rather than protected their own asses, if more people chose to act based on what was good for mankind, rather than what might keep them from getting sued, or what might not stir the pot, if more people worried about making this world a better place...

it might not be so hard to do the right thing.  And if everyone did the right thing - it would be the norm, instead of the opposite... now wouldn't it?

I have two legal matters coming up.  Two.  They both could have been avoided had grown adults done the right thing.  They stood by and watched other people get hurt - because it was easy.  (And I count *watching* yourself get hurt and doing nothing because it's easy - just as bad - if you know the next person who comes along will suffer. That's was enough to force me into action... to think of the next person.) I think I've been so sick lately because a person can only take so much.

But I would rather be sick - then suck.

DO the right thing.

I got myself all riled up and I was going to post about it, when I realized - I had pretty much covered the way I felt about being nice in this post. I don't want to just repeat myself, so I thought I would elaborate further on something that has really been bothering me lately: apathy. Perhaps you've read some of the password protected posts, or my other "documentation" blog - so you'll know more specifically why apathy is weighing heavily on me.. or maybe you won't. Either way - it's something in which the world is literally drowning.

Where did the days go when people actually helped one another? When they stepped forward to look out for a neighbor, a child, a co-worker? I know it's easy to sit back and do nothing.. I also know it's extremely difficult to do the right thing.. but to do NOTHING in the face of wrongdoing is like saying you agree with what is going on. And if you are part of the silent crowd of on-lookers, when someone is being abused or harmed - you might as well get out of the crowd and join the action.. Don't turn your back on a drowning man - spin around and watch him sink.. at least validate the experience.. Because by doing nothing.. you are doing SOMETHING. And that something is saying that whatever is happening is acceptable to YOU.

I am telling you all - I'm literally sitting here sick to my stomach today. I have so many incidents I could rip off right now where people have stood by and let someone be harmed, because they're either afraid of being sued, afraid of getting involved and upsetting someone they know - or just afraid of rocking the boat. Children have been hurt - people have been hurt.. hell - I've been hurt. I AM hurt.

What would happen if people started doing the right thing? What if that became the standard by which we lived our lives? Wow - wouldn't that be something?

Just imagine.. we wouldn't have to have segments on the Today Show telling us how easy it is to have our childen kidnapped in the middle of a crowded street, because nobody will get involved. Or how you can scream for help in broad daylight and nobody will come to your aid. Damn - they've been running these segments for weeks.. I get it!! Nobody cares about each other anymore.. we're all on our own!

Except I don't believe that. I have rocked the boat in my world lately. And I know I've made a difference. I'm not talking about my work situation either - I'm talking about standing up for what's right and sticking your neck out there to protect the innocent. And if I continue to see people abusing children, animals - or even adults.. I'm not going to stand by and watch it happen.. because you know what? That is not okay with me. I do not accept that behavior. I wouldn't do it myself - so I won't watch someone else do it right in front of my own eyes.

I don't want to hear about how "neat" someone is.. or what a wonderful "Christian" they are if they're willing to turn a blind eye to the suffering of those around them.

Don't tell me who you are.. SHOW me. You know what - chances are, if you're in my life.. you already have. So don't show me.. show the next person who comes along. That's who I'm worried about - the person who is a little weaker than I am, or the person who has even fewer options. When they walk into your life and things start to go wrong for them - here's your chance to redeem yourself as a human being.. take care of them. Don't let them get beat down. Show them there are still people out there who care about their fellow man. Don't tell them - SHOW them.

And maybe if everyone who read this did the same, and passed that sentiment on to just a few people - who passed it on to a few more.. a few less tears would be shed, one less person would be lost to apathy.. and maybe we could remember what it felt like to know that people care.

holli
baby-faith.com

I don't think I have a choice about making the world a better place - period.

Comments

[Jana]

What is that quote about evil flourishing when good people are silent?

Apathy sucks... I'm dealing with it at my job at the moment. Things are said and done, and those with the power to stop it simply turn their heads as if the abuses aren't happening.

It definately strengthens my resolve to not be silent when I see sucky behaviour.

[miss*R]

YOU are an amazing gal & I give thanks that I stumbled across your blog - thankyou and I sure hope we continue to keep in touch... and I agree, it is important for us all to sprinkle kindness wherever we go... it has a ripple effect xo

[Suzie Q]

Fantastic post and a beeyoootiful photo, Holli! I strive to be more like you every day. The world does indeed need many many more like you. Get well soon, and don't let those b*words get you down... Stay strong! Love to you & Faith, keep smiling :) xXx

[luzie]

That was a wonderful post, Holli. The world definitely needs more people like you.

[Laura Bjerk]

What a wonderful post----this one and the other about being nice. Thank you. I haven't been very nice lately to my husband----I've done exactly what you say you hate (and you're right---it's awful): act and then apologize. Thank you for writing about this-- It's good to have another perspective.

[DebR]

Great post, Holli! And I love that photo of you and Faith.

[Tami]

You Rock Holli! You are a fine example of the way this world should be. I am glad to be apart of your world!

[Paris Parfait]

Amen, amen and amen, you wonderful, beautiful, wise woman! Hooray for Holli and for everyone else who gets involved when need be. Don't just sit there - DO SOMETHING! Holli is right.

[Alecia]

This is a beautiful post, Holli. Faith is very lucky to have such a kind and compassionate mother. And you needn't worry at all about whether or not she'll be just as kind -- she has a wonderful example to follow.