Have you done any good in the world today?

By Stephen C. Schultz

I recall a song from church that started out, "Have you done any good in the world today? Have you helped anyone in need?"

In today's society, media outlets generally operate on a 24 hour news cycle. The standard operating procedure within that 24 hours is that, "If it bleeds...it leads"! Because of this, we in the general public are literally bombarded with sensationally driven "negative" news! Every once in a while, there is a "Human Interest" story, but they seem to be far and few between.

Take a break from all the bad news and check out some of the more subtle acts of kindness we rarely hear about. Below is an example where teens, struggling with their own issues of substance abuse, self harm and family relationship concerns are learning that "Self Esteem" has less to do with "Self" and more to do with serving "Others".

Buddy Baseball

Comments

Unknown said…

Love this... I would love to see more stories like this.

February 21, 2014 at 9:34 AM

Stephen C. Schultz said…

Thanks Sho Nique! Yes, I think it's important to share these types of stories. This world may have some struggles, but there is plenty of "good" happening!

February 21, 2014 at 2:42 PM

The Young Boy and the Rattlesnake

By Stephen C. Schultz (Editors note: This is a story used in a Wilderness Treatment Program. Many come to this program having struggled with depression, anxiety and substance use.) Many years ago there was a young Native American who lived in the very land you are residing in. He decided to seek wisdom by journeying to the top of Indian Peak. As he approached the base of the mountain he came across a rattlesnake that slithered beside him. The snake coiled as if to strike and the young boy moved back quickly in fear of being struck by the snake’s deadly venom. At that instant the snake spoke to the boy saying, “Don’t be afraid of me, I mean you no harm. I come to you to ask a favor. I see that you are about to traverse to the top of Indian Peak and was hoping that you may be willing to place me in your satchel so that I don’t have to make the long journey alone.” The young boy surprised by the snake’s request quickly responded by turning down the offer, stating, ...

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By Stephen C. Schultz We have all heard the old saying, "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and over again, expecting a different result." As I work with teens and families that struggle with a myriad of problems, the one thing that amazes me is the tendency for families to keep thinking and behaving in the same ways and expecting positive changes to take effect. How often do we hope to change our destination in life, but fail to change the route? Here is fun story with a great message! Autobiography in Five Short Chapters By Portia Nelson Chapter One I walk down the street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk I fall in. I am lost...I am helpless It is not my fault. It takes forever to find a way out. Chapter Two I walk down the same street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. ...

The Interpreted Rock

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