Billboards for Kindness

Dearest Edythe
During your recent visit in November we noted some derogatory bumper stickers. We both agreed that people should have the right to “voice” their opinions, but wouldn’t it be better to say what they are for, rather than degrading who or what they are against? Lifting up a cause or a preference raises awareness rather than spreads negativity. Rather than “Down with creepy crawlies!” How about “Hurray for Cuddle Bugs!” and we laughed!

When driving north on Aurora Highway this week, I noticed a new billboard that I know you would have loved. “Use your EMOJI Keyboard for Kindness. Follow @ISEEBULLYING.”

Social Media has the potential to do so much good. We reach one another across the globe. We share information. Sadly, social media can spread hatefulness and pain as well. Thankful to see a billboard as a reminder how hurtful a thoughtless comment or emoji can be as it pierces the heart and mind of a recipient.

Another billboard I saw many years ago was, “Your words hurt as much as your fist.” Having been raised by an abusive father—both physically and emotionally—I am especially sensitive to the power behind these two billboards. I am thankful the choice for Kindness is being given voice and visibility.
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My best friend, Edythe Stromme, passed away on December 26, 2017 and this series of Kindlandia blog posts is in her honor. Over the years we frequently phoned each other and shared acts of kindness we’d seen or experienced.