In the depths of my heart I believe that humankind is basically that—kind and good, heartful rather than hurtful. In light (well, really, darkness) of much of the world’s inhumanity, it’s sometimes hard to maintain a belief in humankind, but it is always possible to be kind and gentle. The gentleness I am speaking of is strong and powerful, resolute and respectful, as well as wise and relational. A strong, empowered feminine gentleness … former president and CEO of the Global Fund for Women, Kavita Ramdas, succinctly describes gentle kindness as I envision it: “We need women who are so strong they can be gentle, so educated they can be humble, so fierce they can be compassionate, so passionate they can be rational, so disciplined, they can be free.”
A compassionate and respectful world begins with us. We are the ones called to bring about change, lighten the darkness, and right inequities. Let us make a commitment to answer the Dalai Lama’s appeal to “Be kind whenever possible. It’s always possible!” with both attitude and action. Let us embody St. Frances de Sales’s philosophy that “Nothing is so strong as gentleness, nothing is so gentle as real strength.”
To bring balance and harmony to the forefront of society, may you seed your families, communities, and the world with the blessing of kindness. Very importantly, may you consistently treat yourself with gentle kindness.
From The Woman’s Book of Strength by Sue Patton Thoele