If only everyone in the world would be kind and do good anyway when we run into obstacles and obstinate people. The truth is, all of us can be unreasonable and self-centered at times. Yes . . . even you and me. Say it isn’t so! Yep.
Truly an enduring and persistent woman, Mother Teresa modeled how to keep bending when life (and some people and problems) dare you to break. This humble servant knew how to turn the tables on responding with anger, resentment and revenge.
Fortunately, there’s encouraging hope for all of us. We can learn to make better choices and response more positively to challenges and challenging people. Mother Teresa adapted the following poem and had it inscribed on the wall of her children’s home in Calcutta, India.
How peaceful our world would be if we would practice even a few of the wise words Mother Teresa shares here:
Do It Anyway
People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered;
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;
Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;
Build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you’ve got anyway.
You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God;
It was never between you and them anyway.
Amen, my sister. Thanks for filling cyberspace with wise words!
Thank you, Nancy. I love passing on the wise words that stand the test of time.
Wonderful words of wisdom
I wish I had met Mother Teresa in person and could have enjoyed a lengthy conversation with her. I’m always grateful for people who inspire us with their wise words.
What a great reminder and challenge–thank you, Beth!
You are welcome, Karen. I think I should memorize these words of Mother Teresa—I know I can sure apply them pretty much daily.
Challenging indeed! It goes against our human flesh, doesn’t it. But if I am striving to be like Christ, this poem exemplifies one good way to start! Thanks Beth!
I know, Shelly, our human nature is to get huffy when we are offended or respond harshly. I’m so glad we can depend on God’s Spirit to temper our tongues and stir us to love well.
Wonderful article, Beth. Sage, spiritual advice.
Thank you, Pat. You know of my recent “neighborly” challenge in this area. I have seen a total turnaround on that situation… and it started after I prayed and decided to respond with kindness the next time I had an opportunity. (Perhaps those cookies are back on the menu.)
I really appreciate the reminder. The words, “Do it anyway,” from a woman who practiced it daily is both an inspiration and a call to action for me. Thanks for this, Beth.
Teri, I so agree with you about Mother Teresa modeling what she wrote. So much of her sacrificial servanthood is an inspiration to me. Thank you for sharing your perspective.
Bethie,
Yes I do love this! This is such a great reminder to do what God is calling you to do, no matter what! And doing it anyways and forgiving others and keeping peace are always the “key”.
Thank you for this!!!
Thank you, Terry. I appreciate your wise words about doing what God calls us to do vs. acting on whatever we think is best.
Definitely a challenge and excellent reminder of the power of kind words!
Angie, with all the negative influences in our world, kindness is one thing that can help diffuse the angst. I saw a woman yesterday wearing a T-shirt that simply said: Be Kind to People. I appreciated that salient reminder.