Try A Little Kindness

A Word For Living
Mike Rasberry
April 14, 2009
Try A Little Kindness

In the late 1960's and early 1970's my wife, Diane, and I lived in Yuma; in the Southwest corner of Arizona. During days spent exploring the rock strewn hills, dry stream beds, and mysterious caves we came to realize that the desert environment considered desolate and forlorn by outsiders, was actually teeming with abundant life. We were continually surprised by the abundance of those shy and reclusive desert creatures.

In those days, BCP (before cell phones); as we traveled for hours without meeting another human being, we began to understand and appreciate our dependence upon one another. For that reason, I believe, “Kindness” flourished there to a greater extent than I’ve experienced in my lifetime.

It was not unusual for the unsuspecting traveler who had run out of gasoline, water, or food to have the first person who passed his way provide his needs and send him on his way without accepting anything other than the promise that should the traveler cross the path of another in need, he would likewise demonstrate “Kindness”.

Perhaps Glen Campbell, who lives in Arizona, was considering this when he sang “Try a Little Kindness”.

If you see your brother standing by the road
With a heavy load from the seeds he’s sowed;
And if you see your sister falling by the way,
Just stop and say, “You’re going the wrong way.”

You got to try a little kindness.
Yes, show a little kindness;
Just shine your light for everyone to see;
And if you try a little kindness
Then you’ll overlook the blindness
Of narrow-minded people on the narrow-minded streets.

Don’t walk around the down and out;
Lend a helping hand instead of doubt;
And the kindness that you show every day
Will help someone along their way.

You got to try a little kindness.
Yes, show a little kindness;
Just shine your light for everyone to see;
And if you try a little kindness
Then you’ll overlook the blindness
Of narrow-minded people on the narrow-minded streets.


For the Genuine Christian, “Kindness” is one of the fruits of the Spirit of God. It is one of the personality traits which should characterize Christians. Perhaps you and I should look more carefully at ways to demonstrate “Kindness” to those we meet. Should we consider each meeting a “Divine Encounter”, an encounter orchestrated by Holy God; we will be more likely to act with kindness toward those we meet.

© 2006 Mike Rasberry