Did you ever listen to, and/or watch the video of, Tim McGraw’s song, Humble and Kind? While I’m not particularly a fan of country music I did perk up to listen to it when my husband and I were in the car traveling home from somewhere, and he reached over to the radio to turn up the volume stating that he liked this song. I was intrigued to learn why he like the song so much so I listened closely to the words. It moved me and I want to share with you why.
The song and the video sparked a myriad of thoughts and feelings for me and within me. It made me think about the state of our UD community, the state of our country, and the state of our world today as it pertains to diversity, inclusion, respect and civility. The video portrayed the gamut of human differences from the color of our skin to our religion to our age to our physical and mental capabilities constantly reminding me that we are human – we are all the same – wanting and needing the same things in this very short life that we get to live. It sparked memories of my own personal life events reinforcing the need for me to continue, and consistently, be compassionate to others, to respect those that are different from me, to help those less fortunate than myself, to recognize my privilege and to defend those that cannot do so for themselves. It reminded me of the critical need to “be humble and kind”.
The song also reminded me of the values I was taught when I was younger, oh so long ago – it’s simple really – ‘don’t cheat, lie or steal” – say “please” and “thank you” – “open the door for others” – work hard as there are “no free rides” and while you will achieve success you can “show your pride”, but please, be “humble and kind”……. “sleep with someone you love – I love you ain’t no pick up line” – “help the next person in line”……always “be humble and kind”……
It sounds simple and easy, doesn’t it? Yet, time and time again we hear stories that contradict these values and, specifically, devalue human life and differences. So, my fellow Blue Hens – take a look at the video – and see how, if at all, it makes you feel. Think about how to make the University of Delaware a better place – a place where we can all be “humble and kind” to one another despite our differences – and a better place than you found it when you arrived to UD as a student or employee.
To listen to the song and view the video, please click on this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awzNHuGqoMc
Best,
Sue
