Have Courage and Be Kind

Last week I enjoyed two trips to the cinemas–one with my wife and the second with my daughter. Both times we watched Cinderella. Though my man-card is certainly at risk of being snatched away, please hear me out.

I didn’t have high expectations going in to see this movie. I remembered the animated Cinderella from my childhood and young parent days, so I figured it to be very similar.

And it was—but it also carried some very profound messages: forgiveness and the power of kindness.

A favorite phrase was repeated many times, wisdom passed on from Cinderella’s dying mom—have courage and be kind. Throughout the movie, the young girl honors her mother’s last words. As Cinderella slides into her lost glass slipper and then leaves her home with the prince, she turns and tells the wicked stepmother that she forgives her. A touching moment in the film.

Never underestimate the power of being kind. We shouldn’t view kindness as a technique or something that ebbs and flows with the emotions. It’s not a means to an end. It’s not a technique. It’s not always something others deserve.

So what is it?

• It’s a fruit of the Spirit. 
• It’s a principle lived out by a relentless character.
• It’s unconditional.
• It’s unexpected.
• It’s often unspoken, even overlooked.
• It’s something that transforms others.
• It’s what the world needs more of.

Where does the courage come in? We must have courage to honor the principles and truths we hold dear. Kindness doen’t mean you lose and someone else always wins. It doesn’t mean you roll over and capiitulate all the time. There’s a delicate balance between courage and kindness. Stay true to yourself and your beliefs. And seek kindness with others.

I think you will find inspiration in this old and revisited story of Cinderella. Disney has done well.

But if you don’t go see the movie, I hope you practice kindness to all those around you. And no, you don’t need any fairy godmothers or magic. But with your kindness you can create some magical moments in your life and the lives of others.

Have courage and be kind.