I love the Op-Ed section of the paper. I believe we all need to write at least one letter on something we’re passionate about in our lifetime. In saying that, I applaud this reader
I can’t help thinking about how much of the fight for voting and other civil rights in the previous century was led by people of faith. It is still the case that religion motivates many to be active in the effort to protect voting rights. It is interesting that there are also many people of faith leading the efforts to restrict voting rights and roll back other freedoms achieved in the past ¾ of a century.
I remember my mother often telling me that religion to her father came down to one thing: the Golden Rule.
Perhaps people could apply that to our politics. How about a political Golden Rule:
Do unto other political parties as you would have other political parties do unto your political party.
I think that if people actually took that to heart, and applied that to their actions, it would end gerrymandering and lead us back in the direction of democracy, which seems to be disappearing on the horizon.
“You’re welcome to come and sit with me, but remember it’s my parlor we’re seated in.” – Helen Collier
Positively Purging-I welcome your feedbacks in the comments and your likes and passing the real life wisdom on to others as I embark on this new venture of “positively purging“, as I know each of these pieces represents something…
RAVE to all the AARP tax volunteers who do such a great job! They saved me money by itemizing for me when I didn’t think I had enough deductions.
RAVE to our beautiful, strong, intrepid warriors of weather: daffodils! Through sleet and snow and rain and wind, their exuberant blossoms of optimism herald in rays of sunshine and hope for days ahead. We are blessed with their presence during the northwest winter gray skies.
RAVE to the woman in the longest TSA PreCheck line I’ve ever seen at Sea-Tac Airport, who not only let me through the line but flagged down extra help when I was rushing to catch my flight. I’m traveling away from family for the first time after a devastating health episode and your kindness was exactly the assurance I needed. I hope your travel went smoothly, and I’ll be paying it forward!
RAVE to our mail carrier. Many of us in the city of Shoreline are very fortunate to experience the impressive work ethic of our longtime mail carrier, who delivers our mail carefully and consistently. He is always upbeat, frequently able to chat to share his day’s events and also ask us about our own. He really is the model public service employee: he has often gone out of his way to ensure that our packages have been securely delivered. He is truly an exemplary civil servant. Shoreline is so lucky to have him in our city, and so is the entire postal system.
RAVE to everyone who sends in a rave about a kindness shown. It is reassuring to know there are so many good and kind people out there among us despite all the bad news going on today.
RAVE to the tow-truck driver who helped me. I was coming from Kirkland for an appointment in Mountlake Terrace, and I got lost. When showing the driver the address, he put it in his phone and said, “Follow me.” He drove to the door of the beauty shop, but I had no chance to give him a tip or a wave. I saw no name on his truck, but he certainly relieved the stress I had. A true knight in shining armor.
RAVE to the young family eating near our table in Greenwood. We heard the mother of two young children talking about her first day on a new job after maternity leave. We took our wineglasses to their table and toasted the mother and met the children. Double rave because the parents paid our bill, and we were able to thank them before they left. We will pay their kindness forward.
RAVE to the White Center Salvation Army community center. On Tuesday and Thursday, we play bingo. No money changes hands with the prices of food, cleaning supplies and personal care products. After bingo, we go through the food pantry. Everyone treats each other with kindness. A gentleman who plays Santa Claus comes on Thursdays and wears Santa suspenders and bells on his shoes. We can always hear him coming down the hall. It is a wonderful place for seniors to get together and have fun.
Years ago, I moved back to my home state to rebuild my life. So, after several years, I reconnected with a local former colleague on social media. She told me I could stay with her over the weekend until my new apartment was ready the following Monday.
I planned to lay low and stay out of her way, since she was a single mother raising three young children, and I slept on the lower bunk bed. Despite tending to the kids, she kept them busy, served me cookies and cold milk, and sat with me to talk. Having someone to vent to at that time was more than cathartic.
Early Monday morning, she handed me a bundle of freshly washed and folded clothes that she’d taken the liberty of washing without me knowing. I felt so cared for. At the time, I hadn’t realized how long it had been since I’d felt that way.
Prayer of peace may I come at all times, both now and forever: a protector for those without protection; a guide for those who have lost their way; a ship for those with oceans to cross; a bridge for those with rivers to cross; a sanctuary for those in danger; a lamp for those without light; a place of refuge for those who lack shelter; and a servant to all in need.
Positively Purging-I welcome your feedbacks in the comments and your likes and passing the real life wisdom on to others as I embark on this new venture of “positively purging“, as I know each of these pieces represents something…
