The Awesome Power of Choosing Life and Doing TOV

This morning, I am inspired! I usually have my coffee and check out FB and news. There was a video posted about a young man that blew me away! He was bullied and made to feel like an outcast in his HS. His mom saw that he was beaten down and heartbroken by his treatment. She decided to move him to a larger city school, not knowing what would happen. 

At his new school, he started holding the door open and greeting everyone as they arrived and at other times. Many people thought he was "just weird, " some started calling him "the doorman." After a while people really liked being greeted, and being shown kindness and consideration. The result was amazing. The students really looked forward to the experience -- some stopped and hugged him, touched him on the arm and greeted him. He was chosen Prom King by his peers and now speaks to other kids about his experience. Even he is amazed!

This touched my soul. These are the things that I'm learning myself and teaching to others. He displayed real courage. The only thing that we control in this life is our response to what life brings. In all too many cases today, the usual response to being bullied and made into an outcast is violent rage. This plays out in mass shootings and the "blaze of glory suicide ending" of the "hurt" party.

This teen however, decided to Choose Life, which can be very painful and scary. His approach is the best teaching experience there is, because of how much we grow by being in the process. He was able to channel his pain, loneliness and anger into doing acts of TOV, actions of courage, kindness and real love -- all of which affirm Life by transforming his life and the lives of others!

His Hesed (Hebrew for Lovingkindness) to others also gave an insight into his soul and who he really is as a person. People felt "valued" and responded in kind.

Let this be a lesson for all of us about making empowered decisions. Pain, fear and doubt are hard to face, but in doing so, therein lies our soul's progress. Choosing Life and Doing TOV brings back blessings for all.

Discover the Power of Light 1^st TOV Values!

Rabbi Jeffrey Leynor

PS – We would appreciate your help:

(1) If you like this blog, please visit our TOV Center Facebook Page by clicking here and “Like It.” And then “Share It” with others.

(2) If you would like to help fund our work, for information about how to make a donation – CLICK HERE.