October 08, 2022

Quote of the Week

"I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality. I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word." -- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

We The People (Music Video)

This week we bring you an inspiring new music video from our dear friend Nimo at Empty Hands Music called "We the People!" Below is a note from the artist, who lives in India near the Gandhi Ashram, serving children from underpriviledged communities through music.

"This is a song about coming together.

It has been saddening to experience the social division and polarization in the world. This song is my heartfelt response to the collective pain we all share. I believe that we can come together better, stronger, and wiser and continue to celebrate our differences. Here are a few lyrics from the song:

“Cuz we’re stitching this back together for the weak and the feeble,
For the rich and poor, it’s not good versus evil
We’re the brothers, we’re the mothers, we’re the sisters, we’re all equal,
We’re the ones to form a more perfect union for: We The People”
 
"We the People" is a humble offering towards sowing seeds of peace and tolerance in our communities. I hope this song, music video and message helps you open your heart just a little more, to those you may not agree with. Gives you the strength to just listen and not react when someone is speaking from 'ignorance'. I hope we can all take one small step closer to cultivate tolerance for each other.

I'd love it if you shared it with your friends and families.

Love,
Nimo"

[Watch "We the People"]

Reading Corner

Title: The Lines We Cross
By: Randa Abdel-Fattah
Ages:12-17 years

"The Lines We Cross by Randa Abdel-Fattah is set in Australia and follows the story of Mina and Michael. Mina is an Afghani-Australian who had arrived in Australia as a refugee as a young child. Michael comes from a family whose parents are opposed to allowing Muslim refugees into the country.

It is told from both their points of view so we get to see the story unforld from both their perspectives. Mina is given a scholarship to attend a private school and this is where their paths cross. It causes them to think and reflect on what they have grown up being told as the truth.

I really loved this book! Not only was it a great story but the message is incredibly important. As this topic is relevant no matter where you live in the world." -- Amazon Reviewer

Be the Change

Watch or share "We the People" with pre-teen/teenage children in your life and ask what reflections come up for them afterwards and share your reflections too. Invite everyone to share a story about a time when they found themselves on the opposite side of a topic from someone they knew and how it made them feel. Discuss ways to help us practice empathy towards people who are different from ourselves.