Humanity

"Humanity is an attitude of caring and mercy toward all people. We all breathe the same air. We all cherish our children's future. We all suffer and rejoice… We tap into our humanity when we put ourselves in others' shoes and are geniunely concerned for their welfare. Our humanity grows as we serve others. There is no "they" only "us."

-excerpted with permission from Virtues Reflection Cards by Linda Kavelin Popov. http://virtuestraining.com/24_products*

On the one-year anniversary of the death of Virtues Project Founder John Kavelin, Verona Lucas of Fiji paid tribute to John in her stories about The Virtues Project in Fiji.

"Those great souls who have left this world continue to inspire and energize those of us soldiering on with the tasks needed to be done here. It was an ambition that The Virtues Project would reach the tipping point here in Fiji by 2010. We are privileged to visit villages where local women trained as facilitators have gone to introduce The Virtues Project and these villages are transformed. So powerful is the impact that we will probably look back and see this year The Virtues Project did reach the tipping point – taking off on its own and going where none of us imagined.

Today we were in a remote village in the mountains behind Nadi where visits from outside agencies were very rare and the people had low self esteem and the village was unclean, houses dirty and people slovenly. No longer. After The Virtues Project was introduced, orderliness, cleanliness and creativity took over. A pristine village, well-dressed population with joyfulness in their faces, enthusiasm in their work and love in the hearts. Men and women meet together to consult on village affairs, children are being encouraged to stay on with their education to University level with one of their young adults now doing his PhD as an example to set for the others growing up in this community. In another couple of days the electricity will be turned on for the first time in this village but they acknowledge that the real 'light' has already been turned on.

Another village visited last week spoke of the changes in the families, unity and caring in the village which was not practiced prior to The Virtues Project being introduced. Again men and women meet together instead of separately to consult on village activities. Neighbouring communities where facilitators have yet to visit are inquiring about the project because of the changes in behaviour that they are witnessing.

Records show that more than 50 villages have been introduced to The Virtues Project over the past year. Time will only allow for a few to be visited, but the stories coming in are all telling the same story – unity, changes in attitude, support for the children and caring for each other.

The Virtues Project in Fiji goes where it wants to go and leads us on a merry dance. I am sure John is on the 'steering committee' of souls sending it to its various destinations as we watch in awe and wonder."

Thank you Verona, for your service to humanity.

Questions for reflection:

1. How do I put myself in others' shoes?

2. How do I serve other members of the human race?

3. When have I experienced transformation in myself and others?

If you would like to bring The Virtues Project and its transformational strategies to your community, schools, or parent group, please contact betsy@virtuestraining.com TODAY!

Are you looking for an inspirational speaker for your organization? Betsy Lydle Smith is available in the Seattle area on a variety of topics about virtues and Virtues Project strategies. Contact betsy@virtuestraining.com.

To hear a wonderful interview with Virtues Project founder, Linda Kavelin Popov, and gracious and enthusiastic host Hilary Bilbrey, go to http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-virtues-project-linda/id360480466?i=8 5086786.

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