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We All Matter: A Moment with Bill Reflection
Good Day, Sunshine
“We take a walk, the sun is shining down
Burns my feet as they touch the ground.” The Beatles “Good Day Sunshine.”
And as the sun shines down upon Olympia, Washington, I go outside and pick up the newspaper from the lawn, bring it back inside, and sit down with my mocha to read the latest world, national and local news.
A suicide bomber in France….twelve dead.
A gang war in Mexico….fifty-three dead.
A deranged husband in Topeka kills wife, three children and himself.
A soldier kills himself.
A tornado in Austin….fifteen dead.
A flood in West Virginia….eight dead, fourteen missing.
A landslide in Washington….no deaths but seventy-one injured.
A forest fire in California….
Death and destruction, a way of life, and what an ironic statement that is, but it’s true, and we take it all in, and then we go about the business of living and forget about it all until the next influx of news attacks our senses for the five minutes that we give it.
In truth we’ve become de-sensitized, and that’s all about self-preservation, because most of us have just seen too much misery, too much pain, too many shattered lives and we just can’t handle any more of it…so we put on the blinders and we stare straight ahead, and if ugliness comes into our field of vision we’ll detour, detour, detour, until the ugliness fades in the rearview mirror and there are clear roads ahead.
But we all matter!
A Moment in History
The American Civil War, four years when modern technology and modern weaponry met antiquated military strategies, and death and destruction rained down upon a nation.
Horror was redefined during those four years. Savagery became second-nature. Two armies would meet by chance at a crossroads, and three days later twenty-thousand bodies lay along the roadside, flies feasting on the fluids, the smell of death mixing with the wind and blowing across the land.
Despite the seeming desire to eliminate all human life forms during that war, there were some touching moments of humanity that served as a reminder that we all matter. Two armies would call a halt to the fighting as the sun set, and then the business of tending to the wounded would carry on into the night. A truce of sorts would be arranged, allowing each army to send men out to the fields to retrieve the bodies, and those bodies would be shipped back from where they originated, to the farms of Pennsylvania and the mills of Savannah, the cabins of Kentucky and the gateway cities of the west, for families awaited their sons, and final resting places awaited the fallen soldiers, and the armies understood the importance of this gathering of bodies and the returning of them because, after all,
We all matter.
To the Present
And I take a walk, and the sun is shining down, and I pass a vet on the side of the street, hungry his sign says, will work for food his sign says, family in need of shelter his sign says, and my steps slow, and I turn my head in his direction, our eyes meet, the eyes of two human beings, two separate paths brought together by chance, and I smile at him, the making of a connection, a connection that says I understand, I feel, I am sorrowful and I will not ignore you, because…..
We all matter.
And my walk continues and I come to an assisted living home, and outside, in the courtyard, I see residents sitting in the shade, some covered with shawls, staring off in the distance, watching a silent film only they can see, a film filled with memories of better times, independent times, a film with former lovers and family members as the main actors.
Many have tears in their eyes. Some have blank looks, confused, sullen, lonely looks, aware that life has been stolen from them, and I can relate, for I, too, see the calendar pages moving much too quickly, and I know my steps are shorter and slower, and one day I could be sitting in their place, watching the silent film, hoping that someone will pass by and realize that….
We all matter.
And on I Go
And I come to a young woman, bruises on her face, deep wounds to her psyche, emotionally scarred as only the abused can be, stripped clean of self-respect and simply looking for one night of safety, one night of no beatings, one night of being treated as more than a whipping post, and her eyes plead with me but no sound comes from her lips, and there but for the grace of God go all of us.
And I want to embrace her, tell her I’m sorry for her pain, show her that there is one goddamned human being who sees her, cares for her, loves her….but of course I don’t, for that would be inappropriate, and probably misunderstood, but wouldn’t it be wonderful, wouldn’t it be the cat’s meow, if we could do that, if we could reach out our loving arms and encircle those who desperately need to know that….
We all matter.
I Am Only One Man
Oh how many times have I heard those words? What can I do? I’m only one man? There is so much misery, and I am but a drop in the human pool, a mere speck of existence, and I can’t make an impact worth noting.
But those who say that are wrong.
Every single one of you reading these words can make a difference.
Every single one of you has it in your power to change a life.
Which leads us to the million dollar question: will you do it?
Will you reach out and show others that they have worth?
Will you stand tall for those who are infirmed, and give a shoulder to lean on for those incapable?
Will you listen to the voice inside of you and answer your higher calling? You know I speak the truth. You know my words are true.
We all matter!
And to not acknowledge that fact, and to not act on it, is beneath us as human beings.
We all matter!
2015 William D. Holland (aka billybuc)
Related
Comments
Beautiful, Bill and you are so right we all do matter. Thanks for this wonderful reminder today and hoping you are having a fine day so far, as well!
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Thank you so much, Janine. I'm preaching to the choir, I know, but it feels good to know there are those like you who truly care.
Happy Tuesday, Janine!
I watched the morning news and I heard what you read in your newspaper. It is a sad day when people care nothing about the world or the people in it. We all can make a difference in some way, if it is only a smile at someone on the street. Thank you for a heartfelt message...
I discussed this very topic with my Ethics students last week. It came up during our disscussion of consequentialism. How can you place a value on human life when all life is valuable?
Hi Bill, such beautiful words and sentiments, yes I totally agree with you, we are hardened to the suffering of others because we see so much of it, and we have our own problems. but we should do as you said, take notice, do something because we do indeed all matter, nell
Comforting & encouraging words to begin a new day.....thanks bro, because one person does matter. It matters that they care and do even the smallest deed (Yes, deed rhymes with "seed").....How is it we plant to reap living things.....that grow and spread and ultimately nurture?
Simple. We look around and see the need everywhere. Resist the urge to look away and KNOW it takes one person, one deed, one ounce of humanity.
Pay attention. Pay it forward. Ask only one question. If I do not...then WHO?...............UP+++Tweeted& Pinned.
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Ruby, I would be ecstatic if I just say more smiles on the street. I would gladly begin there.
Thank you dear friend and Happy Tuesday to you.
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Sherrituck, I love that you talked about this with your students. Good on you. I would have loved to have heard that conversation.
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Nell, I know from experience that the smallest act of kindness is enough to save a life.....what if we all practiced it daily?
Thank you my British friend. I hope all is well across the Pond.
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Sheez, Sis, you should have written this. You summed up the spirit of this hub in a few sentences and they were right on. If not me then who? How can I expect others to do something I don't want to do? It's not everyone else's problem....if we are a society then we all share in the problem and the solution.
And now I'm done preaching.
Have a superb Tuesday, Sis, and thank you.
Awesome piece, Bill. I really enjoyed your With These Eyes I See video. You're a great raconteur. There is so much compassion in your voice. And did I detect an emotional well at the end?
Yes, we all matter.
billybuc
Interesting hub, and great idea.
However, the everyday life here while still better than most parts of the world is not conducive to helping people.
Within the first five minutes of waking up to TV news, you enter the world of the downside of life. I personally don't watch TV or Cable News because of that reason.
Many people think that watching the news makes them better informed about what they need to know, but they can't really help anyone, much less themselves with this informtion.
The constant drone of horrific events, and rampant crime only desensitizes them to these events. It is like when a person first works at an emergency room. The sight of blood, and sickness, and the sad stories of the people that came there for help is repulsive, and disruptive. But as time goes on the newbie emergency workers get desensitized as their survival needs take the front line. They will learn to eat, and drink while covered in the blood of others. This is not being unkind, it is just the body and the brain adapting to the environment.
People that were repulsed and horrified of the murders, arson, bombings, and all the other sad, and scary events have after repeated watching become insulated from their original reactions.
This also applies to seemingly good events, like telethons to cure diseases. Once again, after sixty or more years of raising funds to cure diseases and none being found, would have no expectation to see any positive change.
So to come up with a bright side is truly remarkable, and desperately needed today. Optimism has to overcome realism.
Since having said that, I was in the process of taking a sip of my coffee, and instead flooded my desk and all of its non liquid proof items. So much for optimism today, but maybe hope for it tomorrow.
We are all having a bad week here, but up and at em I say! lol! thanks Bill.
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Oh, Sha, I can be pretty emotional when I'm talking about a topic that is important to me,and nothing is more important, other than family, than this topic. We have got to find a way to come together and support each other. If not we will fall as one.
Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed the video.
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Brad, as I waded through your comment I found a great line....it also applies to seemingly good events. This desensitizing of society spreads through all facets of our lives and I'm in total agreement with you....and quite frankly I don't know what to do about it.
Having been warned, however, I will be extra careful while drinking my mocha this morning. LOL
Thanks my friend. Have a great day in Orange County.
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This too shall pass, Nell. Take care and again, thank you.
We all matter, yes we all do. A reminder for today and always. We all can make a difference and every little bit counts. Great hub.
Beautiful and profound as always. The killings by the thousands continues. One day it may be killing by the millions.
There are two sides to human nature. One is love with kindness and compassion and the other is a dark beast that wants to kill. Which side will be victorious?
Voted up +++
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Thank you Vellur. I know you know this, but a reminder for some out there doesn't hurt.
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I don't know, Catherine, but I sure can hope and do my part to make love victorious...as I know you will. Thank you my friend.
How many times HAVE we heard that...I am only ONE??? I so agree ...and the answer is too many.
We see and hear of the horrors daily ....and wish we could make a difference. and we can and you have said here and we have said in others posts...and it cannot be said too often.
We can reach out to others and share as we can and in ways that will be appropriate...
Baby steps come in the greetings we give each time we meet someone in a store or on our 'walks.' It does matter...we do all matter.
Keep your voice loud and strong, Bill, as I find myself saying time and again. The more we say it the more likely it is to be heard!!!
Know that hugs and many blessings are on the way to you this afternoon, my Friend. ps
Too much emotional hub picturing the daily worldly happenings. I also agree with you that we all matter and not 'me alone' or 'my family' that matters. we should care for all humanity and strive to make things better for all of them.
Thanks for your concern and sharing this article to remind all of us again.
Voted up and awesome.
Oh Bill. You are so so right. We all matter and we need more people in this world like you. Then the world might just have a chance of becoming a better place.
Hello Billy
We all matter which is why I am going to Google + and tweet so that more people know that they matter as well.
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PS, my voice will not be silenced, and if I reach just one person then writing these articles is worth it...and I know you understand that.
blessings and hugs heading your way, my friend...thank you
bill
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Venkatachari M, it is because of people like you that I have hope for humanity. Thank you my friend.
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Lesley, thank you for your kindness and friendship. I happen to think you are pretty special.
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Sally, thank you for sharing and spreading the word. I suspect a great many people need to hear and believe this message.
bill
Bill this touched my heart. We live in a sad, sad world. Yes the news is always filled with something terrible. Everyday here in New Jersey there is a fire, shooting, hit and run, drug overdose etc. Missing children, missing seniors, horrible weather, yet every morning I listen to news, why I just don't know. Poverty is everywhere, people living in tents (Tent City in Lakewood NJ), families unable to afford food, diapers for their babies. No jobs, unemployment so high, gas high again, utilities high eespecially in the cold weather we have had. Oh how nice it would be to not have such heartache. Thanks you bill for this hub and hopes of better days.
Awesome! It is too bad that horrific news doesn't make us more sensitive. I think some people, like me, get overwhelmed, and go into the day feeling helpless, so I put one foot in front of the other, lifting up the madness to the Lord, for He is Almighty.
My means of strength, hope, and purpose is God. He does what I cannot do. Sometimes he calls me to do something, and gives me the strength and direction to do it, because on my own I can't. He reminds me that though I can't see it with the naked eye, He is in control.
It is an evil world, but there is also much good in the world. There are still people who have giving hearts, caring hearts, sensitive hearts and are willing to put hands and feet to these things. So, that is what I try to do when God gives me what I need to do it. I liked your video.
We do all matter. We can each do something. Thanks for the reminder. ;-)
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Thank you Lisa. Every time I start feeling down, like there is no hope, I write an article like this and then gain strength from good people like you.
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Lori, for sure, there are many, many people with giving hearts, and I draw strength and inspiration from them....it is up to us to change some hearts and minds and bring more love into this world. I know I'm walking by your side on this one. Thank you!
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Thank you Bill. I'll be by to see your latest shortly.
You might know there's only one writer on HP of whom I'm a fan. That's you, Bill. The media is busy with death and destruction, not with positivism and love.
What you wrote here is beautiful, so true and so healing for any living Soul. Just to be seen, to be heard, to be understood and to be loved.
A smile, a hug, a few kind words or just a few coins makes a world of a difference!
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Buildreps, I am honored that you think so highly of me. Thank you! I love the way you described it all at the end...a smile...hug...kind words....that kind of currency is invaluable.
Beautiful words Bill. I couldn't agree more. I think we all have our ways of dealing with the disgust we see daily in the news. I don't like to read the news it just makes me sad. I too want to reach out to everyone, but as you say how to do it without being misunderstood. Share a smile or laughter with another if possible is how I try. Wish I could do more. The world is strange, both beautiful and cold at times. Love your hub. Thanks.
I've got to the stage where I rarely watch the morning news because I don't want to be depressed before I even start my day. I don't like reading the papers.
Of course you're right, though, that we become desensitised, that we should reach out to people to let them know they matter. Sometimes, as you also say, it can be seen as inappropriate but we should still do what we can, show others we care.
We came across a man who looked poorly the other day. He was leaning against a wall and breathing heavily. Several people had walked past him; we asked if he needed help. We walked him to his car. He admitted that he'd walked too far, set himself too big a task but he really appreciated that someone had bothered.
It doesn't take much, just a little observation and a little time. Who knows? He could have suffered a heart attack or fallen in the road had we not stopped. It makes you think and I'm all the more alert to others because of it.
Great message, bill. You always make us delve into our consciences and search our souls.
Hope you have a wonderful evening.
Ann
Your language is beautiful. I wish more people felt inclined to help others. Each article I read about tragedy bothers me for a long time. I get worked up, and have to share it with others. I'll vent to my mom about it, too, but while she cares, she tends to become drained from my passion. Meanwhile, I just want to help change things! I find it takes more energy not to care.
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Randy, I'm with you there...strange, beautiful and cold. I am fascinated by life and my fellow human beings, but there are some I'd like to kick in the butt and try to jump start their hearts. :) Thank you for your thoughts and compassion.
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Kailey, I understand completely. One of the reasons I started following you is because you are filled with compassion and passion. It can be painful to have those traits but I can't imagine not having them. Keep on being you. I'm proud to call you a friend.
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Thank you, Ann, for sharing that story about the man. It is such a small gesture but it can mean so much. I wonder how many people noticed him and just chose to ignore him? I guess I was raised differently than some. I was raised to believe that injustice and suffering are my responsibility as a member of the human race, and that a man is never weak if he has compassion.
Sigh!
Have a splendid night's sleep, my friend.
bill
Hi Bill. The news is depressing and there is certainly no shortage of misery in the world. But, as you stated, we can make a difference as just one person. By taking notice and acknowledging what is going on around us in our daily lives we can make a difference even if it is only in one persons life. Time to take the blinders off and make a difference.
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I like that, Bill...time to take the blinders off. Well-stated my friend, and I'm with you all the way. Thanks and Happy Wednesday to you as you take one more step towards retirement.
Beautiful, Billy. It's truly mind-boggling sometimes, isn't it? I watch the news, or I go downtown where there is a very large homeless population, or I see poor moms with torn clothes and babies counting pennies for formula or diapers in the supermarket... it's heartbreaking. I do what I can and try to focus on that. Changing the world isn't going to happen in one massive sweep, but by one good deed at a time.
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Wiccan, it's always nice having you visit. Thank you and yes, one good deed at a time. For someone who at times is not patient, like me, taking the slow approach is painful, but I know that's how change will happen.
You're right, Bill. We are quite desensitized to so many things. Some of it is our own doing as you say, to shield ourselves from such misery. Some of it is rules and regulations that prohibit helping others. In my city, if we are caught handing food to the homeless, we are issued a hefty fine. Everyone matters. And, even though we might be just one person, we can make a difference in the lives of many. One act of kindness initiates an upward spiral of positive results.
Dear Bill,
You are speaking my language now, for I just know in my heart each and everyone of us can make a difference each day to impact the life of another human being. We all certainly do matter! Amen on that one.
Peace and blessings
This was a wonderful article Bill and you know the best part? It is obvious that you wrote every word of this from the heart. I can feel the emotion flow through you onto the page. Yes we all matter and we can also all make a difference. They should rename the "News", the "Bad News", 90% of it is....any good stories, as few and far between as they are, are just fluff added to try to lighten the 50 odd minutes of death, destruction, murder, rape etc. I wrote a poem called "I Laughed a Smile" that promotes the message that one small act can help change the world. Thank you for writing this important hub. Have a great and productive day.
Helping each other is a beautiful thought.
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Marlene, I hear things like that city ordinance of yours, and I see red. What in the world is going on when we fine people for helping others? I just don't get it.
Thank God there are people like you in that town.
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I believe that with my entire being, Faith. One small step per person makes a journey of a thousand miles.
blessings dear friend.
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Thank you John, and I'm happy to hear that my heart was apparent in my writing. I'll be over to see your new one shortly.
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Thank you DDE! Now we have to make thought an action.
Beautifully written. Thank you, Bill!
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Thank you very much, Winchestery. I do appreciate it.
Thank you for calling us to 'dare to care '. Really thought provoking stuff
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I appreciate that, Lawrence. I have the feeling I'm preaching to the choir. :)
You are the cat's meow, sir, for not just realizing, but knowing we all matter. It takes one step to walk a mile and one word to start changing the world. Someone has to carry the banner and there couldn't be a better choice in you. My hat's off to you. Blessings, Kim.
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Kim, that is a very kind thing for you to say. Thank you so much. Let's hope this message one day resonates with tens of millions.
Sometimes even the choir needs to hear it!
I was talking about this thing this very morning Bill. We just have this fear of offering a helping hand or a thread of kindness in case it is misinterpreted. How many might still live over a simple action of love?
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True words, lawrence. Thank you!
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It is an interesting phenomenon, Jackie, and one I hope we, as a society, change soon. Thanks for your thoughts.
Hi Bill. As usual you write and speak the truth with a passion. I can only echo what any previous contributor has written. Yes we all matter.
Graham.
Fantastic article, mostly agreeable comments and then this one person recognizes in the article great number of those who " matter" being actually out "in limbo". Why? Is a billion $ question to which answer goes back to "all" once again. Every single person born in flesh on this planet of earth is unique , speacial, with a mission of purpose , born free, given Liberty and freedom by the Creator, an this is a basic lesson you and me, and he and she must know, live it and fight for it. . . The parents are installing this " basics" to their children by living it and by showing it. No one shall invade your integrity , my child, - tell me what's going on... And this awareness , self value strengthens the soul, later on a spirit of an individual... We all are born with instinctual knowledg of good and evil, truth and lie... The first time as a child open itself to evil when knowin what is tight, or agrees with a lie while knowin what truth is, becomes wulnerable falling prey to the greedy vulchers of individuals making rules and regulations to control and to deprive...
... in the beginning none of those " homeless" neglected, without we're born that way by design of the Creator. ( this isn't easyly solved dilemma), however we know willing make a difference in our own " neighborhood" community ( state or country ?). How much can be accomplished now and here where the evil communistic dictatorship imposes more control what you can do and what you can have, soon what you can even say ( or think) - God forbid.
I might not be able to continue..
Voted up and interesting.
Great and blessed day, my frind.
Michael
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Thank you Graham! I am writing more of these because of a comment you made months back, and for that I thank you.
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Michael my friend, as always you speak the truth eloquently. I do believe every human being matters...we all have value...we all deserve respect...and I do fear that we are slowly devaluing human worth through governmental and societal actions. Let us hope that wiser minds prevail and compassionate hearts lift others up.
blessings on this Thursday
bill
a fantastic hub .. so much truth when you sit with the daily news.. seems more dramatic nowadays.. and ive been around the Vietnam era.. great reflection and yes we all have to matter...
We're all important to someone.
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Thank you Frank! I would hope everyone believes this but I suspect there are those who do not...this one is for them.
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I sure hope so, Flourish! Thank you!
Wonderfully right on the point of life.
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Thank you Eric. It's good to see you again. I hope all is well in your life.
We all matter, indeed! So true. Excellent Hub!
Yes, we ALL matter, especially those that go home later, take the mask off, and shed their own personal tears. We all know them, but do we KNOW them?
“We all matter.” You are so right, Bill. Imagine if everyone knew this, in heart and mind, in the doing of each and every day. If this could only be realized, life as we know it would change and for the better. Thank you, my inspirational friend, for being you.
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Yes we do, manatita, we all matter a great deal. :) Thank you, sir!
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Deb, I have learned over the years that the answer to your last question is probably no, we don't really know them....and I find that sad.
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Genna, it seems like such a simple truth and yet we see proof that many people do not believe this.....I don't understand how the obvious can be so confusing for some. :) Thank you dear friend.
"We All Matter" :) This is the first hub I read after 4 weeks as I was feeling so down with all the things I hear around me. I of course don't watch news or read newspapers as I was told not to do so by my mom. So much of hurt and suffering. So much of pain. I just don't get it why some think that they are more important than others. We all gonna die and no one is going to live forever but some behave as if they are gonna live forever. All I know is that all I can do is pray and ask Heavenly Father to comfort and put an end to this madness.This is a caring thoughtful hub. Thank you for sharing :) God bless you!
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RD, thank you for returning to me. I'm glad you found significance in this article, and I want you to always remember that your words matter....you matter....keep spreading beauty in this world with your words.
Beautiful words, Bill. I clicked on 'Interesting' only because there's no 'Inspiring' to click. Enjoy Easter.
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Aww, thank you Zulma! I'll take "interesting" any old day.
Happy Easter to you and yours.
You are right, Bill! Everyone matters!
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True that, vkwok! True that!
If only there were more folks like you and those who have left comments here that felt that way. This world really would be a better place! Excellent writing on a subject that should be taught more, shared more and discussed about how to ensure every life does matter!~ Up and shared...
Blessings always...((((((((((((( Bill )))))))))))))
Thank you Bill for your words of wisdom. Jamie
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Thank you so much, Jo. I often wonder why there aren't more people who believe in these things. How did others get so distorted that they missed the bigger picture? Sigh! I guess all I can do is take care of my own side of the street and hope for the best.
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Again, Jamie, thank you! Have a tremendous day, my friend.
Hi Bill. Another heartfelt hub today. I agree with all your points. We can do whatever we can to improve where we can. Congrats to Bev.
Graham.
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Graham, thank you so much, and very kind of you to mention Bev's good fortune. Thank you my friend.
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