Regardless of your religion, or political standpoint, I think one particular stance that we can all agree on, is that of, when The Pope says to do something, it would be in our best interest to listen.
Luckily, for us here at the Hooray Cafe, we were a little ahead of The Pope’s suggestions, and wholeheartedly, we agree! Bring on the ‘Good News’ in 2017, and let’s remind each other what unity, hope, and happiness look and feel like.
During the 51st World Day of Communications, Pope Francis was quoted as stating
“I would like, then, to contribute to the search for an open and creative style of communication that never seeks to glamourize evil but instead to concentrate on solutions and to inspire a positive and responsible approach on the part of its recipients. I ask everyone to offer the people of our time storylines that are at heart ‘good news”.
To that very powerful statement, we say to you Pope Francis, we are what you are seeking from the media. We too agree that the division and fear spread far and wide by mainstream media has begun to consume us, along with our ability to see the good in this world.
We too agree in the fact that, we are not dismissing or ignoring the fact that the raw and devastating events of war, terrorism, human and civil rights violations are not taking place. In fact, we feel that because of these events, ‘Good News’ in the Media is needed more now than ever.
Gone are the times of wholesome family television, and gathering together around the table for dinner, or playing a board game. With the way that the economy has shifted, parents are working now more than ever, and a large majority are acting as the only parent in the home. Children are forced to grow up at a much more rapid rate, and electronics have replaced nightly conversations about each others day.
As if all of that is not enough to really rough up and bruise humanity, we then turn on the nightly news and are subjected to violence, fear, despair, and anger. Our hearts are no longer given the opportunity to heal from one tragedy to the next. We are surviving solely by shutting down and becoming desensitized to what should be devastating us.
It’s time that we turn on something that reminds us, it will be ok. It’s time that we change the channel to find a story that makes us stop, think and most importantly, smile.
Contrary to what the Media wants us to believe, it is okay to not know ‘up to the minute’ information about every attack, plot or arrest. It is ok to not know what this week’s protest is a representation of, and how they have chosen hate as their ‘go-to option’ to drive out hate. – Ironic yes?
Instead, let’s all find ourselves huddled around the water cooler at work on Monday morning, talking about something positive. Such as, the amazing footage that was shown of Soldiers coming home, and being reunited with their loved ones. Displaying pure unadulterated happiness, captured on film, igniting something amazing within us all.
Let’s strike up a conversation about the ‘Free Hugs Project’ and the impact that they have had on thousands already. Or, how about the gentleman hiding money, along with a positive message, all over Europe. Why? So that those that discover them can experience pure joy, and the desire to want to do the same.
Whatever you decide to discuss, just pay close attention to the way that it makes you feel, and if it serves a greater purpose. Make note of the way the positivity spreads and transforms those around you. It is a wonderful feeling to literally feel the mood shift right before you, and it only takes one positive gesture to get the ball rolling.
We should all be uniting through love not hate, seeking understanding not division. Most importantly, we should be given a choice of what we are subjected to, and what we decide to allow in our hearts and homes. It seems today, we cannot get away from the negativity and violence, no matter what we do, it’s everywhere!
There are two sides to every story, sometimes three or four. As opposed to focusing on the tragedies and destruction, let’s retrain our minds to look for the ‘helpers.’ Let’s begin to look for the ones that are risking it all to help others, not harm them. It’s time to bring back the good old days and bring back ‘Good News.’
