How to Change the World

I have to admit that I have never seen an episode of “19 Kids and Counting.” I have seen a few interviews and articles, and let me tell you that I believe those dear people have a special place in heaven for birthing 19 little humans who all seem to be relatively well-adjusted, all while keeping their sanity. (And for coming up with that many J- names.) No matter your opinions on the idea of having that many children, we can all agree that surviving that is a near-miracle. I mean, was there ever a time in the last 20-something years that Michelle wasn’t pregnant? Bless her soul…

Recently, the news broke of one of the oldest Duggar daughters becoming engaged to a young man she had been courting for some time. As I was reading an article, (I’m a sucker for these things) one particular statement caught my attention. The article was providing background information on Jessa’s new fiance’, because clearly we should all be privy to who this guy is for goodness sake!

Her fiance’ Ben Seewald comes from a more modest family… only seven kids. His parents were being interviewed and his mother had this to say of the couple’s courtship, “There is nothing in the Bible that says, ‘thou shalt court,’… But we have raised our kids to know that someone else’s heart is like a treasure and you want to be careful with that other person and treat them with respect.”

What a gold mine of wisdom.

Being careful with other people’s feelings? Believing that the heart of another is like a treasure? Treating people with respect? Friends, what an amazing testament to how humanity should be. Imagine a world in which we consistently held up these ideals– not only in romantic relationships, but in life. I think it would do some tremendous good for us to evaluate how we are treating people we encounter on a daily basis. Are we giving them the simple gift of respect? Do we look to people as if they are a treasure that should be valued? Do we guard our tongue and actions to be careful of the feelings of others?

Let me issue this challenge. We should.

Carefully treasure and respect the hearts of others. Today and every day. And watch as the world around you starts to change. That’s a promise…