In the the hundreds of columns I’ve proudly published in various publications to date, I’ve never… nor will I ever… write a column that has political ramifications. My role as a columnist is to educate, to entertain, to enlighten and hopefully inspire my readers.
I preface this column with the aforementioned paragraph only to make sure the thoughts that follow are in no way, shape or form misinterpreted as taking a political position or in no way accusatory. That is my absolute last intention.
Good acts
And so, I’d like to start off with a bold, honest statement. We need more love… understanding… kindness… consideration… and simply put, good acts in our world. We are too often quick to judge, quick to criticize, quick to condemn and quick to turn our backs on people and situations that very well might need our help… or we may not fully understand.
In the signature line of my e-mails, I’ve used a John Wesley quote for decades. It’s a marvelous wish and hope for all of us.
Here goes.
“Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.”
Doing good
Wow and more wow! This is truly a quote for the ages. Write it on a placard and put it on your wall. Print it on a small index card and keep it in a prominent place on your desk. Write it on a small U-Post-It and put it in your car. Read it. Read it again. The message and challenge is simple, “Do all the good you can…”
I have been blessed in my life and career to have spent time with highly successful, highly prominent, often brand-identified individuals and leaders. Examples include, but are not limited to, General Colin Powell… President George H. Bush… Hall of Fame Baseball Player Cal Ripken Jr…. iconic master builder Ted Turner… ABC’s Good Morning America Host Robin Roberts… rockers such as Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler… Heisman Award Recipient Bo Jackson… and on and on and on…
Although each of these individuals are high-profile, very busy and well known for their achievements, I was overwhelmed when I learned, first-hand, how each of them clearly demonstrated their personal focus on “doing good” and “being kind” and going out of their way to “help others.”
The late General Colin Powell dedicated himself to creating and managing “America’s Promise,” an organization that focuses its work on engaging young people and providing them great educational and motivational experiences in the workforce through mentoring by corporate leaders.
Before, during and after his presidency, George H. Bush was a champion for literacy and for equal rights of disabled Americans. He spent a great deal of time volunteering and serving as a “guest teacher” and reader to young people in public schools and also, as the father of the American Disabiity Act, focused a great deal of personal time working with the disabled.
American baseball icon, Cal Ripken Jr., is dedicated to transforming lives in under-served communities. From sponsoring (and personally attending as well as coaching) baseball camps for underprivileged children, to leading his “Ripken Baseball” (The Ripken Baseball Experience)… a continuation of what was called “Babe Ruth Baseball,” Cal does a great deal of good in his work with children.
Media mogul, American entrepreneur, television producer and philanthropist Ted Turner has had a lifetime focus on both saving the planet through his support of environmental causes and educating children on the environment (i.e. “Captain Planet Foundation;” “Edible School Yards,” etc.).
Saying “good morning” to over 60-million Americans everyday, ABC’s “Good Morning America” host, Robin Roberts, is a very active and passionate supporter of “adaptive sports.” Through a wide range of athletic activities, “adaptive sports” are sports designed and altered for children and adults with disabilities.
Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler wrote a song many years ago called “Janie’s Got A Gun.” Becoming the anthem of abuse and neglect of girls, he founded and actively works for Janie’s Fund, an organization that helps “at risk,” “abused” and “neglected girls” through a wide range of educational and therapeutic programs. In his own words, “Janie’s got a gun… no… Janie’s got a fund!”
Considered one of the best American athletes in our history,
Heisman Trophy Winner, NFL All-Star as well as Major League Baseball MVP Bo Jackson extends his championship spirit through his “Give Me A Chance Foundation” which is dedicated to guiding disadvantaged youth towards personal and professional growth. He is a tireless leader doing good in many ways.
Sure, these are iconic individuals who have great fame and in many instances fortune, but if you stop, look and listen around our community, you’ll see hundreds of selfless individuals who are also committed to helping… to supporting… to giving… and to providing “good” and benefits to a wide range of organizations and individuals.
Doing good to others is not a duty. It’s a pure joy. It also increases your own health, happiness, fulfillment and sense of worth. No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.
In your own way, you need to “…do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.”
Ira Blumenthal is a business consultant, a Georgia resident, a best-selling author, a globally renowned public speaker, a university educator and a college Lacrosse coach. Ira welcomes inquiries and can be reached at Ira@Iraspeak.com. His web site is www.IraSpeak.com
