Pay it Forward

I watched the movie Pay it Forward (2000) last night. I knew there would be tears and smiles, and sometimes it feels good simply to let emotions run their course. At the end of the movie, with tears running down my cheeks, I thought to myself, “why can’t I pay it forward?”

The premise of the movie Pay It Forward is a 7th grade social studies project created by an inspiring teacher, played by Kevin Spacey. One of his students, Kevin, played by Haley Joel Osment, dreamed up the idea to give generously in any way to three other people. Those three then pay it forward by giving generously in their own way to someone else. Giving is the key, as it needs to be a gift or an act that the recipient could not normally fulfill theirself.

When I began to answer my own question, I thought, “how would I possibly do this even once, let alone three times or more? And do I need to receive a gift first?"

That is when I realized that I have already received my gift. I was raised by two generous parents, in conditions void of divorce, alcoholism, mental illness, or poverty. My childhood was protected, positive and wholesome. I am extremely grateful for this gift, knowing how rare it is.

It is time to pay it forward, yet I don’t believe in waiting for the right time with a momentous gesture. I can start with small acts of kindness. Many small acts are those that others couldn't do themselves. Even the act of giving can't be done the same way doing it for yourself. I’ve been having a difficult time communicating with my nine-year-old daughter recently. Her actions have frustrated me. However, she is an amazing, creative, bright source of light, and I can find many ways to pay it forward to her. I can tell her she is incredible, and a bright part of my life.

Pay it forward a step at a time
I also believe it is time on earth for a shift in consciousness, which includes a natural inclination to pay it forward. I know many who already give their time and talents to help others prosper, feel well, laugh and take a step up in life.

My gift (or gifts) may or may not feel rare for me, but it might be just the thing someone else needs, coming at just the right time.

The Terry Jones Event: Will Fear End our World?

Last week Terry Jones, a man running a church with 50 members, sparked an international outcry. World leaders and business people felt compelled to respond to stop fear from escalating.


When the public discovered a New York City mosque was to be built two blocks from the World Trade Center memorial site, people were upset. They staged protests and rallies decrying this move. Others voiced equally passionate responses, stating that freedom of religion is one reason America is so wonderful, and stopping the mosque from being built would put this freedom at risk.


Out of nowhere Terry Jones, who runs the Dove World Outreach Center in Florida, announces he will burn the Quran, the religious text of Islam, in protest to this mosque.


Of course those of Islamic faith are upset. Of course they shout for response and reaction.


Surprising, however, is the speed this information traveled around the world, not because it was lightening fast, but because this information was derived from such a small part of the world.


Why did this man's threat cause such an uproar? Set aside the obvious reason that the Quran is a sacred book and symbol for Islam. Were people upset because no one could actually stop it? He was breaking no law, after all. Was it because it hit us at a point in our memory where two towers fell and thousands died? More likely these were trigger points to something deeper. Yes, his actions were an affront to Islam. But his actions dug deep at the root of fear.



Photo: Veer Images

Fear brings two reactions: Flight or fight. We couldn’t move away from this crazy fodder for worldwide media. Therefore we had to fight, or at least react towards this pending symbol of anger.



But if this is just a symbol, to what would we really be reacting? Our response is to fight against the perception that something might happen if we chose to do nothing. Kind of a circular argument, don’t you think? Yet this may be how fear continues.


Worldwide, Jones' statement splashed across the internet, on TV screens. The furor spread fear through followers of the Quran, among those that wish for peace, and to world leaders. People were fearful of what may have occurred if one person burned this religious symbol. State and religious leaders feared that their followers might question their strength.


Fear is the base of all trouble and turmoil. Fear of loss of control, fear of survival, fear of terror, fear of societal regression. The action of Terry Jones hit the heart of some very human fears. Jones' fear. Americans' fear. The world's fear. Fear is False Evidence Appearing Real. And did it ever appear real for a brief moment in time.


But what would have happened if each person did not allow fear to take hold? What if each person felt empathy, love and understanding?


What if the media turned off their cameras early on and walked away, letting Jones do what he may. What if people saw his actions as one silly stunt and ignored it. And instead let love, understanding and compassion travel the world?



What if fear gave way to love, the only other emotion with which we are born?


Love makes the world go round. Fear one day may stop it.


Let’s keep the world turning.


Leigh Harris discovers the juxtaposition of metaphysics and concrete solutions in life and in her writing.