When do you speak up? When do you take action? When have you “had enough”?
I have a question.
I see an injustice.
Do I remain quiet?
Do I speak up?
What if my question is not accepted?
What if . . .
What is the worst that can happen?
I love this poem that Vicki Vinton posted on Twitter (as well as a new source for poetry)! It can apply to so many situations in life.
Inaction . . .
Inertia . . .
No longer acceptable . . .
What is the tipping point?
Relative Truths:
Do no harm?
Truth?
What will be the cost of speech?
What will be the cost of inaction?
“Just as ripples spread out when a single pebble is dropped into water,
the actions of individuals can have far-reaching effects.” Dalai Lama
“This is what kindness does, Ms.Albert said. Each little thing we do goes out, like a ripple, into the world.” Jacqueline Woodson
What will your “ripple” be?
Thank you, Betsy, Beth, Deb, Kathleen, Lanny, Melanie, and Stacey for this weekly forum. Check out the writers, readers and teachers here. 
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Powerful questions! Your writing always makes me think. This reminds me of the video of the two men in Starbucks and the man that stood up for them. Did you see that? I hope and pray that I’d be like that man.
Michelle, YES! Exactly! Doing the right thing! Not being afraid of repercussions if/when one does the “right” thing! Being a “better” human! ❤
Thank you for the thoughtful pause this morning! I love all the images–Nin’s bud and blossom, your ripples and tipping points. I am seeing more ripples of kindness in my school these days.
Looking for beauty and kindness everywhere. Intentionally being curious about the “where” and “when” they appear!
I asked the same questions as I taught the MS Social Issues Book Club Unit. I like your structure of questions and quotes. It gives the reader time to reflect and ponder a possible answer to tough questions. And I’m adding this post to my unit! The poem is perfect!
I know . . . the poem is amazing! So many avenues. So many choices! ❤
The poem. The topic of injustice. It’s so relevant. I think there are many ways we need to consider our actions measured up against our core values and beliefs. These are some courageous and powerful real thoughts, Fran. Thanks for keeping us grounded in the choices we all can make, even when they are hard.
So many choices. Some require thoughtful responses. Yet, that FIRST impassioned response . . . also says so much!
When you you think of inventors and scientists as well as humanitarians and the progress we as a people have made because of their risks inactivity really is not a choice. May we never stop taking risks.
Oh, wow! So true! “Inactivity really is not a choice.” OUCH! Slower to join . . . but must be some motion!
Your post and the poem embedded within made for some deep thinking on my part. Thinking about what ripples can each each make is a question we need to ask each day as we move to make this world a kinder and more gentle place!
Christine,
Yes, Yes, YES! for a kinder and more gentle place! ❤
That Anais Nin poem has long been one of my favorites and speaks to me on many levels. Your post asks some important questions. I really like how you structured it with questions and quotes. Thanks for making me think.
It’s absolutely my new favorite poem (but of course I like anything Vicki Vinton recommends! LOL
These are such important questions, Fran, and Anais Nin’s poem points in the direction of an answer. One worry, though, by the time it’s too painful, is it too late? Thank you for making me think!
Catherine,
I don’t think it’s ever too late; YET, it does become more painful! ❤
Great questions Fran and I needed to read the follow up inspiration. Feeling a bit overwhelmed and I often have questions and am sometimes hesitant to ask – I like thinking questions are ripples.