Socrates said before one speaks, to ask oneself- Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind?

I really like those questions. What if those were the operative questions that one must pose before posting anything online- Facebook, X, TruthSocial, etc. Can you imagine if those questions were reflected on by our politicians before they spoke? What if you and I actually paused and considered this before we spoke?

One of our favorite authors, Louise Penny, uses four statements in all her books. They are the guiding principles for her main character, Chief Inspector Armand Gamache: “I don’t know. I am sorry. I need help. I was wrong.” Words of humility and vulnerability yet words that give strength of character to the one who says it. Humble words that open the connection with one another.

My naive optimistic self still believes that, if people behave well towards one another (Golden Rule) we will see a change and improvement in society. When there is a choice in life, and, frankly all of life is a choice - up/down; good/bad; left/right- why do we have to choose the negative action? What if people intentionally choose the positive? What if we choose kindness and truth? What if we choose the appropriate time to say something? Not that we are choosing to withhold information, but rather choosing to disclose at an appropriate time. Perhaps the current moment is not really necessary in order to edify or encourage the listener. And what if, we choose to speak humbly to one another? To speak the truth of what is really going on in our minds and hearts?

In the 1950s Edward Lorenz used the term “butterfly effect” to describe a phenomenon in the mathematical chaos theory. Lorenz was a meteorologist studying the behavior of weather systems. He discovered that small changes in the initial conditions could lead to vastly different outcomes over time. Calling it the “butterfly effect”, it was to represent the idea that the flutter of butterfly wings could cause, in theory, weather issues across the globe. It is not a simple theory, but one that is complex and that factors in many complexities. Yet, it is a theory that has an impact on our individual and global choices- the small choices matter.

In social behavior, “the ripple effect” has been coined in response to the butterfly effect; it has been noted that there can be positive social change through small actions. Of course, social behavior is also complex, yet small changes can impact the areas in which we interact- with the eventual impact across larger social systems.

I think you could say that the ultimate ripple effect was Christianity. While the concept of Emmanuel (God with us, on earth through the person, Jesus Christ) is BIG, the idea of it spreading was small- one small simple act of one person telling about their experience with God to another. Who would’ve thought that a band of twelve uneducated, powerless, mostly ragtag subsistence fishermen, would change the world? They did so by intentionally sharing their and Jesus’ story with others. They made the choice to follow Jesus and to put into practice the lessons that they learned.

We can learn from those who have positively impacted our world. (I think of Martin Luther King,Jr; Mother Teresa, Gandhi to name a few) More importantly, I think of the men and women over the years who may not be household names, nevertheless, by their acts of humility and kindness have changed the world around them. I think of school teachers, beloved family members, dearest friends and those people we might meet, however briefly, who plug along, lifting others up on their journey of life.

What about you? Have you ever made a small choice and noticed its impact in your life? Have you ever made a small change in your behavior? For example, flossing your teeth. Did that small daily act improve your dental hygiene? What about smiling or exchanging pleasantries with the check out person? What small choice could you do that might have a ripple effect on others?

Most of all, I wonder, if we made the intentional choice to speak humbly, how that would impact those around us?

Lord, Speak to Me by Frances R. Havergal
Lord, speak to me, that I may speak
In living echoes of Thy tone;
As Thou hast sought, so let me seek
Thy erring children lost and lone.

O lead me, Lord, that I may lead
The wandering and the wavering feet;
O feed me, Lord, that I may feed
Thy hungering ones with manna sweet.

O strengthen me, that while I stand
Firm on the rock, and strong in Thee,
I may stretch out a loving hand
To wrestlers with the troubled sea.

O teach me, Lord, that I may teach
The precious things Thou dost impart;
And wing my words, that they may reach
The hidden depths of many a heart.

O give Thine own sweet rest to me,
That I may speak with soothing power
A word in season, as from Thee
To weary ones in needful hour.

O fill me with Thy fulness, Lord,
Until my very heart o’erflow
In kindling thought and glowing word,
Thy love to tell, Thy praise to show.

O use me, Lord, use even me,
Just as Thou wilt, and when, and where,
Until Thy blessed face I see,
Thy rest, Thy joy, Thy glory share!