Planting Seeds of Kindness Along The Way

Planting seeds can be accomplished in more ways than one. The opportunity for us to share positive seeds as we practice kindness are everywhere. This month of February has been a month where I have received positive messages from the seeds sown my way.

PLANTING SEEDS FROM THE MOVIES

Where do I start. Earlier this month I went to see a movie,“Just Mercy” and it was quite moving. An injustice recognized and after awhile grew into a mission. One man – Bryan Stevenson – on a mission of preparing the local “soil” to accept a wrongful conviction and right that wrong. This bad seed was planted and grew in the community. Mr. Stevenson put in the time and effort to find a way to eradicate this seed of negativity and right the wrong as best he could. Sometimes disturbing the soil brings weed seeds of negativity to the surface. With proper conversation, we can instead plant seeds of positivity, to overwhelm and crowd out the negative seeds.

PLANTING SEEDS FROM A FEW SPOKEN WORDS

I attended a discussion at Bus Boys and Poets. Owner Andy Shallal has been planting seeds of positivity in communities that welcome good food and honest conversation. When I read that Lonnie Bunch was going to discuss his journey, I KNEW I had to be there. The book, A Fool’s Errand, written by Lonnie Bunch is a fascinating read. Hearing him share his experiences was monumental.

One of the stories he shared was how a seed of not being accepted, helped make him who he is today. As a child playing with his friends on a hot summer day, a seed was sown. One of the mother’s served some nice refreshing drinks to everyone but Lonnie Bunch. As he drank from the hose and being the only one of color, reality set in. That seed of “why” was planted in his mind and…well…just look at where he is now.

For those who do not know, in 2005 Lonnie Bunch became the Director of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. Mr. Bunch is now Secretary of the Smithsonian Institute. He is a seed that has certainly grown into an interesting plant, bearing fruit for the world to enjoy.

PLANTING AND HARVESTING SEEDS OF SUCCESS

Seeds of success were shared on a recent visit to Hillwood Mansion, Museum, and Gardens. A’Lelia Bundles shared the story of the magnificent Madam C.J. Walker’s journey. From losing her parents at an early age, being transplanted to live with relatives, to losing her hair. This strong seedling of a woman did not falter, she thrived. Madam Walker came up with a concoction that saved her hair, provided jobs for other African American women and provided lifelong income as a legacy to her kinfolk. This is a terrific example of a strong seedling that was destined to thrive, in spite of it all.

PLANTING SEEDS FROM THE WRITTEN WORD

A friend sowed seeds in my virtual garden this week. It was a story about a farmer and his wheat. This farmer shared his wheat seeds so that his neighbors could sow good quality wheat as well. When asked about this, the farmer explained the wind, cross pollination and how important it is to help his neighbors have success in their fields as well.

In my opinion, there is a very important moral to this story. When we sow seeds of positivity, they grow into positive thought processes which build positive communities. Positive seeds sown in fertile soil have the ability to grow a society that helps each other grow.

What seeds are you growing in your community?? Are they seeds of love? Seeds of peace? Seeds of unity?? Are you preparing the soil first so that these seeds will grow and the harvest positive??

I will be planting seeds of positivity in as many places as I can. It is important that each of us does the same. Let’s do this for the future..

Sowing seeds of Kindness as I go…after all, there is no seed to small to sow.

Teri, Cottage In The Court

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