Love Is An Action Word
I'm Jim Ellermeyer, a behavioral health therapist by trade and your guide on this journey through life without definitive expectations. Today, I want to share something special as we celebrate our 75th episode—our diamond jubilee—on "Fishing Without Bait."
The Significance of a Diamond: What comes to mind when you think of a diamond? Toughness, beauty, and an unmatched ability to sparkle under sunlight. These qualities resonate deeply with what we promote here: full-impact mindfulness and participating fully in your life. Like a diamond glistening in the light, each of us has the potential to sparkle amidst the shadows of daily challenges.
Drawing Inspiration from Fred Rogers: In the heart of Pittsburgh, we were once neighbors with a zen master of the modern age, Mr. Fred Rogers. He taught us to "look for the helpers" in times of distress—a lesson that feels more pertinent today than ever. His words remind us to find and be the figures of hope and assistance in our communities.
The Parable of the Good Samaritan: Our discussions often circle back to the essential teachings of mindfulness and kindness found in various faiths, including Christianity. Jesus, a master of conveying deep truths through simple stories, gave us the parable of the Good Samaritan. It's a tale that challenges us to redefine 'neighbor.' Your neighbor isn’t just someone who shares your street or your beliefs but anyone in need whom you have the capacity to help.
Who Is Your Neighbor: As we ponder this question, it's crucial to reflect on our actions. It's easy to sit back and discuss the world’s problems among friends or vent over social media. But are we taking any steps to make a difference? Are we supporting those who actively uplift the marginalized and the oppressed? It's not enough to agree; we must act.
The Challenge to Be the Change: Words alone can’t feed the poor or free the unjustly imprisoned. Action and effort are the keys to making a tangible difference. This echoes the sentiment of Gandhi: "Be the change you wish to see in the world." This isn’t just a call to shift your mindset but to embody the change through consistent, compassionate actions.
We Are Our Brother's Keeper: In the stories we tell and the lives we lead, let's not overlook those who are sidelined. Remember the old saying about the person who didn’t speak out until there was no one left to speak for them? Let’s ensure we're not bystanders in our own tales.
As we continue this journey, remember to look beside you, to your left, and to your right. Engage with your world, help your neighbors, and sparkle like a diamond in the lives of others. Namaste.
