Hurricanes, floods, wildfires, countless mass shootings, terrorist attacks. A solar eclipse, unicorn frappuccinos, a royal engagement. It’s been a year for sure. But certainly seems we’ve seen far more than our fair share of tragedy in 2017.
So many times this year I’ve found myself trying to cautiously explain the evils of the world to a sweet little boy across the dinner table. And while I nearly always came up short of finding the right words, the one thought that always came to mind were the words of our beloved Mr. Rogers…
“My mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’ To this day, especially in times of disaster, I remember my mother’s words, and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers — so many caring people in this world.”
I would tell Jack, “Son, times of tragedy are also opportunities to see the good in people.” The world today is filled with tragedy. And though it seems like an insurmountable task some days, we have to continue to strive to see the good.
It’s tough. And this year has had so much pushing back against us, but we have to keep searching.
It’s effortless to submit to evil and let it control us. That’s the easy part. The struggle is in searching for the good.
So this year, I want to ask… Please seek out the good. Look for kindness. Find goodness, and good will, and positivity.
Better yet, be the one to put kindness back into our hurting world. I mean, we’re called mankind. Wouldn’t it be great if we could be more kind?
Folks, the truth is… life isn’t perfect. But each day we have the option to focus on the negative or focus on the positive. This year, my wish for you is the eternal ability to focus on the positive. I wish that you’ll be able to effortlessly see the good in the world. I hope that you’ll be able to find kindness and that you’ll be able to return a little of that kindness back.
I love y’all more than you could ever know. Each time you visit SouthernBite.com or visit with me on social media, you’re seating your place as a part of this humble Alabama boy’s big ol’ dream come true.
Pull your loved ones in close and hug them tight. Squeeze them a little longer. Tell them you love them. Treasure the time you have together.
Merry Christmas, y’all!
Beautifully said, and so very true. I wish for you and your family an incredible 2018! Thank you for your recipes and your wonderful posts. They encourage me so much as I know they do others. Happy New Year!
Thanks so much, Samantha!
So well said! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from a loyal follower
Thanks so much, Judy!
Beautiful! Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas, friend!
Thank you Stacy for making my meal feel like home..My family and I wish u and yours a very Merry and Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!
Merry Christmas and God bless your family. Thanks for all you do for us. Love and hugs to you all.
Merry Christmas, friend!!
Stacey, If only the world was like we are, wanting people happy and to be kind and love each other, we would have Heaven on earth. Someday we will have that but right now our Lord has asked us to spread His word and be intimate with Him. Every day just be kind. God bless you and your family thru out your lives. Have a wonderful Christmas and a happy new year.
Happy New Year!
Back atcha Stacey! Beautiful post, thank you!
Thanks, Deb!
Such an uplifting letter & exactly what I needed! ( especially the memory of dear Mr Rogers ????)
Mr Stacey, I’ve never replied or commented back to you but I want you to know that I read every email I get from you. Enjoy your stories & love your recipes!
I wish you much success & happiness in the coming new year & hope you have the merriest of Christmases!
Hugs from a good ole Southern gal!
You are so sweet, Laurell! Thanks so much for your kind words!
Stacey, your post warmed my heart and poured spiritual fuel into my very soul. Thank you for all of your hard work coming up with recipes to share. I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas & a Happy, Healthy New Year. May God’s blessings be abundant for everyone throughout 2018.
Tons of love & oodles of hugs,
Linda Copeland
Thanks so much! Much love, Linda!
Beautifully said; & from your lips to Gods ears.
Merry Christmas to Y’all too!
Merry Christmas!!
Stacey, your post is Beautiful! Thank You, and have a blessed holiday.
Thanks! You too!
Stacey, Merry Christmas to you and your family, and thank you for all you’ve shared with us this year!
It’s my pleasure to be able to share! Thanks for always coming back for more!
Very well said Stacy, and thank you for this heart touching wonderful post. And all the wonderful dishes you share some great recipes with us each day of the year. Merry Christmas to you and your family. God Bless you all.
Thanks so much, Deborah!
Merry Christmas Stacey! I enjoyed talking to you in Publix. I made the Pecan Chewies & they’re delish! My son, Matt, says hello. I hope you find time to take a break and enjoy your family over the holidays. Cheers to 2018 with more kindness & less tragedy.
So great to meet you!!
Merry Christmas!!
Merry Christmas!
Thank you.
May you and your family have a blessed Merry Christmas and a wonderful, healthy 2018.
Love & Hugs,
Elizabeth
Merry Christmas, friend!!
Thank you for your “kind” words and those of encouragement for us to be the best we can be this coming year. It has been a joy to open your posts each and every time this year and I look forward to the goodies you have in store for us in 2018. God bless you and yours and Merry Christmas!
Thanks so much for being a loyal reader! Merry Christmas!!
Well said. A Happy Season to everyone and Merry Christmas! Thank you for remembering me every week, Stacey!
Merry Christmas!!!
Thank you for the beautiful post. I want to thank you for all you do throughout the year. I have made so many of your recipes and they are always a hit. God bless you and your family. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
So glad you’ve enjoyed!!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all. Thank You Stacey!
Merry Christmas!!
Thank you Stacey!! That was beautiful! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family!
Thanks so much! Merry Christmas!
Stacey:
Well said, exactly right, and thanks. Oh, and Merry Christmas Y’all right back at you.
Kathy
🙂
Beautifully said!
Thanks so much, my dear friend!!
Merry Christmas, Stacey! Beautiful post and a good way to look at the world.
Thank you!!
I hope for the same in the new year, we can’t survive on hate and judgement. We all have to reach out with a kind hand. One kind hand can open a lot of cold hearts
Merry Christmas to you and your Family
So true!!
Stacey, tearfully, I think this is your best post yet. You have such goodness and kindness in you. I’ve seen this quote from Mr. Rogers before and I just love it. It’s imperative we remember that in this day and age if only for our own sanity. God is good and there is truly goodness and good people in the world if we but look for it. God bless you and your family and Merry Christmas to y’all!
Thanks so much, Aileen! God bless!
Thank you. Love, hugs and the warmest wishes to you and your family. Your post brought tears to my eyes. A gentle, needed reminder that we all make a choice every day in how how we choose to see the world and more importantly how we act. Mr Rogers was a gem, as you are Stacey. Have a wonderful Christmas!
What kind words! Thanks so much, Karen!