Gentle Giants

There are times when it seems like the whole world is hard and unkind.  The people you pass on the street frown and look like they will bite your head off if you so much as whisper a "Good Morning".  The news is full of stories of all the mean and nasty things people do to each other.  No one has a kind word about anything or anyone.  Is there no hope left in the world?

                Now enters the Super Hero.  The one who smiles at everyone with that nuclear smile that melts the hardest heart.  This hero has the superpower to say and do the kindest things with the ease of the preverbal hot knife in butter.  While the people around them are mumbling, they - the Super Heroes - are humming a happy tune and ready to win the day for goodness.

                Okay.  I admit I have gone a bit extreme here.  However, there are times in this sad world that the person who is positive, kind and happy seems like a long-awaited superhero.  Here is the best part.  Ready for this?  Are you sitting down?  You, my friend, are that hero!  Yes, you.

“The is nothing stronger in the world than gentleness.”

– Han Suyin

(1917-2012) Author

                A positive mindset and a happy heart is nothing more than a choice we make every day.  They are not gifts from on high or things we must study for and earn our "Hero" degree.  You just choose to be positive and to be kind to others.  In fact, when you act kind and happy toward others it really builds on itself and you become stronger and stronger with each passing person.

                In the Scout Law, we see that a Scout is both kind and cheerful. That is not there just to keep the boys from fighting each other. Remember that the Scouting program is designed to help young people grow into better and successful adults. These principles are not there for the time they are Scouts. These are principles for life. That is why we can say, once a Scout, always a Scout.

                Think of Scouting as your hero education. You learn how to be your best, love God, have good manners, discover the unknown and change the world. You even get a hero’s uniform to do it in.

                The world needs as many heroes as it can get.  It seems like things and going down the toilet but the truth is there are many, many people who are happy, kind and do wonderful things for humanity.  Be that hero and make a difference in the lives of every person you encounter.  As the 19th century English critic, William Hazlitt said, "A gentle word, a kind look, a good-natured smile can work wonders and accomplish miracles."  Be one who accomplishes miracles.

                You matter!  You matter to the world and to yourself.  Remember to be your best, love God, have good manners, achieve the unknown and change your world.

Scouting Out of Uniform is a personal blog based on the lessons learned from Scouting that relate to personal development and success principles and is not an official site of The Boy Scouts of America. John Patrick Hickey does not represent or speak for the Scouting program; however, he does completely support and encourages Scouting for both young and old. John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Personal Development Coach, and proud Scouter. You can read more about how the Scout Oath & Law can help you live a more successful life in the new book, Scouting Out of Uniform, available on Amazon and on the website. To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business or group, visit our website at www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2019 John Patrick Hickey