Log in

Put a little love in your heart

Posted

The VOICE of Inspiration

By: Don Lindsey

On Wednesday, I was grabbing a quick bite to eat at the new Florida Hospital Apopka cafeteria while waiting for my father to complete his physical therapy appointment for the day. As I was trying to rush through my meal to get back in time to where my father was, I happened to look up and on the wall in front of me was a quote from Psalm 133:1. My bible’s version of the text is different than what was on the wall, but it translates the same; “How good and pleasant it is when God’s children live together in unity.”

My first thoughts drifted to how divided we are, not just in this country but all over the world. Anger, frustration, and sadness washed over me because we as a species have such potential to do amazing things yet waste much of our time arguing with one another. It bothered me more than I realized because I spent the next couple of days thinking a lot about how we miss opportunities to help each other by only focusing on our views and opinions. On Friday, I found that I was still struggling until I ran across a story I had seen online.

This took place in Michigan and involved 13 semi-trucks lining up under a bridge to prevent a man from jumping off and committing suicide. As I read the article, I started to see what I thought the human race was missing these days... empathy, love, and respect for another life. Law enforcement organized it, and the truck drivers worked with them to prevent the tragedy, and from there I started to remember how this very community rallied around one another during Hurricane Irma. I recalled how we came together to heal after 9-11, and my mindset began to change some. I was now hopeful that at some point we would finally figure out that we do our best work when we live together in unity.

Saturday morning I was with my wife and daughter at the Apopka Art and Foliage Festival watching our girl’s last elementary school chorus performance. I always enjoy these, but this morning was a little different. I was sitting there with the other parents, and festival goers listening to the children blend their voices when I was reminded again of how many beautiful things we can do when we’re all on the same page. Just as I was completing this thought, the kids did a mash-up of the O’Jays “Love Train” and Jackie DeShannon’s “Put a little love in your heart.” For me, it was the perfect time to hear that, and I remembered that for every tragedy that makes me question our stability as a society, there are many more examples that happen with the sole purpose of helping or showing love to someone who needs it. When we lead with love in our hearts, there isn’t anything we can’t accomplish.

Don Lindsey is a follower of Christ, son, husband, father, and a survivor. Originally from Dayton Ohio, and resident of Apopka for six years, Don sees his life as a dedication to his wife, parents, children, and community.

Don Lindsey, Inspiration

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here