Revisiting one of my previous blog posts, I was reminded of a song which resonated for me but to which I’d not listened for a very long time.
It’s by Judy Small, and (like my blog post) is called “You Don’t Speak for Me”. [Read more…]
How Many Times
Through the work Chris and I do, we have the privilege of hearing the stories of people from all kinds of places, spaces and backgrounds.
So often I am humbled by their wisdom, resilience, humour and strength – often under circumstances that could leave them bitter, bowed or defeated. And I feel honoured they have felt able to open their hearts and share their stories with us.
It’s a reminder in this busy, media-saturated world of ours that the most powerful stories are not necessarily those of the rich and famous.
How often do we give our time, our spirits and our hearts to listen – really listen – to the stories of others? Ordinary people, with extraordinary stories.
Here is a song from one of my favourite Aussie singer-songwriters, Judy Small, which asks much the same question.
How many times do they tell their tales to strangers,
Who turn away in silence and pretend they didn’t hear.
How many times do we throw away such chances,
Never knowing what we might have learned with open ears.
(From How Many Times, by Judy Small)
One Voice in the Crowd
So often we think we can’t do much to make the world a better place. We look at the enormity of the task and think “What on earth can I do about it? Who am I, after all? Just one voice in the crowd!”
But here’s great little video I came across on You Tube, thanks to a friend who sent me the link. It reminds us that little things can make a big difference – if enough of us come together to do them! Even as one voice in the crowd, we can help to swell the tide of change.
Visit the We Are What We Do website for more information.
One brick in the wall you may be, one voice in the crowd
But without you we are weaker and our song may not be heard
One drop in the ocean, but each drop will swell the tide
So be your one brick in the wall, be one voice in the crowdAnd we are foolish people who do nothing
Because we know how little one person can do
Yes we are foolish people who do nothing
Because we know how little one can do(Lyrics from One Voice in the Crowd, by Judy Small)