Five on Friday Set 51

Posted: Friday, January 14, 2011 by Travis Cody in
11


I want something beautiful to end the week.  I want to remember that there is love in the world.  I want to say that light does still shine even in the wake of terrible tragedy.

"...what we can't do is use this tragedy as one more occasion to turn on one another.  As we discuss these issues, let each of us do so with a good dose of humility.  Rather than pointing fingers or assigning blame, let us use this occasion to expand our moral imaginations, to listen to each other more carefully, to sharpen our instincts for empathy, and remind ourselves of all the ways our hopes and dreams are bound together."  President Obama, speaking at the memorial for the victims of the shooting in Tucson.

Surely, those words go well beyond the divisions of political ideology and speak to the commonalities in our souls.  

Tomorrow is the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr.  He would have been 82.  Dr King taught us that peace is the way, and that fervently striving for what you believe in doesn't require you to trample on the passions of others.  Please take a breath and pause for a moment to reflect on how far we've come, and how very far we still have to go.

"An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity."  Dr Martin Luther King Jr. 

Life is a work in progress.  Life is a series of challenges.  Don't turn away from it when it becomes hard.  That's the time to step up and be counted.  To speak.  To listen.  To encourage.  To embrace.  


It's time to be.  It's time to use your words.  They have power and consequences.  Use them to build up, to bridge over, to make things better.


"I believe we can be better.  Those who died here, those who saved lives here - they help me believe.  We may not be able to stop all evil in the world, but I know that how we treat one another is entirely up to us.  I believe that for all our imperfections, we are full of decency and goodness, and that the forces that divide us are not as strong as those that unite us."  President Obama.

Smile at people as you move through your day.  Live up to your better expectations.

Peace.


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As always, if you'd like to join us in the musical fun, the guidelines are basic and simple.

1. Grab the banner, make your post title Five on Friday, and be sure to link back here.
2. Go to Playlist.com to make your play list of five songs. You may choose a particular theme to share with us, or post random tunes if that's your vibe for the day. You can simply post the play list, or you can add a little summary about what you are sharing.
2a. Don't feel restricted by the tracks listed on Playlist.com. And don't be discouraged if the Embed code won't work. You're welcome to use any type of media to share your Sets.
3. Be sure to sign Mr Linky so everyone can visit your Set.
4. No tags, but feel free to invite your friends to play along if they need a post topic on a Friday.

Go forth and enjoy music!


11 comments:

  1. Coco says:

    Lovely selections to remind us of what's beautiful and right in the world, despite the evidence of such evil. May it strengthen our resolve to make a difference, to take a stand, and to do more than to mourn in silence.

    Our thoughts are with those who have endured and who continue to suffer from this terrible event.

  1. Interesting. I went with another Nobel Peace Prize winner whose birthday is today and who loved beautiful music.

  1. Hadn't heard Eva Cassidy's versions of those two standards before and really enjoyed them. Your two classical selections are my favorites this week, Travis.

    I was very moved by your selection of quotes today, fellow Peace Blogger. ((hugs)) and Peace to you.

  1. Linda says:

    I'm going to have to pick Clair de Lune as my favorite for this week though all of your selections are wonderfully peaceful and very well chosen for another tough week here in our country.

  1. He said some good things, although I've already heard people attacking his words. It's amazing to me. Some people are just hateful. But lets try to reach those who aren't.

  1. FANTASTIC post today Travis...excellent words and tuneage...

    Enjoy your weekend

  1. TopChamp says:

    Will do trav! Happy New Year x

  1. Mimi says:

    "It's time to be. It's time to use your words. They have power and consequences. Use them to build up, to bridge over, to make things better."

    Beautifully done, Travis! I got chills reading this. It is JUST what we need right now. Some hope.
    Thank you.

  1. Mimi says:

    Oops. Wavy is Mimi.
    I forgot to change me into Mimi.

  1. Y'know, if everyone strove to be considerate & kind our world would be a wonderful place. Unfortunately I've found that being considerate & kind tends to get you used & abused. Ah, people. Little wonder I don't want to leave my house much these days. <:(