Super Powers
For decades, people have idolized superheros for their strength and desire to right the wrongs in society. They swoop in when the “bad guys” are taking advantage of the weak or the innocent to save the day. Hollywood continues to make movies that create more of what we want to see: action, adventure, and the feeling that all is better in the world. We all need a superhero in our life to bring hope and encouragement.
I began to wonder, what if each of us could be a superhero? Wouldn’t that be awesome? Wouldn’t this world be a better place to live? There are those people we meet in life that can be easily identified as having super powers. These superheros, I’ll call them, have a desire to help people in need, rescue the forgotten, or spread kindness to a neighborhood. What comes naturally to them, and without effort, are extraordinary thoughts for others.
Recently, in the little town of Colonial Beach, signs suddenly appeared in yards and on streets with a simple message to spread kindness and build community. It seems simple, but the impact has been very well received. Often people just need to be reminded of something important in life rather than be told. These signs represent a reminder of just that: Be kind and build community.
The idea started in California by a real estate agent and then moved to the east coast. Edward Hart is a super hero in the Colonial Beach community. A friend gave him a sign, and he posted it in his yard. Then, one of Edward’s neighbors asked where he had gotten the sign. Apparently, her son, who has disabilities, was being bullied, so she asked if she could have a sign too. This sparked Edward to take action, and signs began to appear in yards throughout the community. He began this campaign weeks ago by simply posting signs all around the Town of Colonial Beach. Suddenly, posts on social media took off and other residents were wanting to know how they could get a sign too. I was particularly delighted to see a sign in my yard when I pulled into my driveway recently.
What this means to me is taking down the walls and barriers that divide us. Why don’t people treat people well? Fear of differences is one reason that comes to mind. While I can understand that folks want to hold onto their values and beliefs, the problem enters when love isn’t extended. Instead of listening and quietly disagreeing, people begin arguing the rights or wrongs of a position. Two people talking/arguing, but no ears are listening—division happens.
Another reason I think division happens is due to a low self-esteem. When someone doesn’t feel good about themselves, they often become a bully in a poor attempt to build themselves up to feeling something more. Getting to the root of the problem is paramount for the bully to begin healing from the brokenness in their own life. Other reasons division happens could be jealously or hurts from past experiences. Not everyone we meet in life has to be our best friend. As a matter of fact, we will meet people in which our roads will cross and there is something to be learned from that interaction. But even with differences, kindness and love can be shown to those we meet. What would it mean in your own life to extend kindness and build community to someone you don’t particularly like?
Building community starts with a smile and a friendly gesture. It can mean volunteering to support the community in which you live. It can mean taking a meal or groceries to someone who needs them. It can be sharing coffee with someone who needs a friend to talk to. What does building community mean to you?
Each one of us has a superpower. What’s yours? Are you brave enough to employ it? What’s holding you back? Perhaps those negative thoughts prevent that superpower from emerging. Thoughts like, what will other’s think? Or, It really won’t make a difference. Pride, ego, and lack of self-worth are poison to a superpower.
One person can make a difference, and everyone should try—John F. Kennedy
In my own life, I’ve noticed how people can be so kind and sweet to strangers, yet treat those closest to them unwell. Superheros have bad days too, but their heart is for others rather than themselves. The practice of extending love and grace gets easier the more it’s practiced. Today, I invite you to explore your superhero powers. Make a difference in a life. Go—Spread Kindness and Build Community.
Health Bite: Find and exercise your superpower.
