“If you see something, say something.”
Acts of kindness http://www.thecamarilloacorn.com/news/2016-07-22/Editorials/A_message_of_hope_goodness_during_a_time_of_uncert.html
We are blessed to be Americans in the 21st century. However, I believe that we sometimes get too caught up with protecting our space and rights. We worry about protecting our privacy. We worry about invading someone else’s privacy.
It is reasonable to respect boundaries. But at the same time, when we notice a friend or a stranger who is need of help, it’s important to offer them our assistance.
If we see a teen that is lost and going down the wrong path or a couple struggling with their marriage, a neighbor who is having a difficult time financially, an elderly person who is depressed and homebound, or a colleague who is a wreck emotionally or spiritually, it’s important we don’t look the other way in the name of privacy. We must take action.
I propose we change the saying to: “If you see something, do something.”
Of course, we need to make sure that our action is helpful. Sometimes that means getting the right person in place to help.
Great examples of people who respond and do something when people are in need are the men and women of the police department.
Having worked side by side with local law enforcement over the last six years to prevent drug and alcohol abuse among our youth, I have built tremendous respect for the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.
These individuals put their lives on the line on a daily basis to keep our community safe and help in emergencies. I thank them and bless them for all that they do and tell them that they are all in our prayers. May they and their families stay safe from harm’s way.
One morning as I was walking in Camarillo near the Chabad Jewish Center near Leisure Village, I saw an elderly lady leaned over her walker nearly hitting the ground. Three of us quickly came to her aid, got her on her feet and into her car.
With all the news about hate and violence toward people, it’s nice to know that the vast majority of people do care about their fellow humans and want to do the right thing.
The renowned Jewi s h leader the Lubavitcher Rebbe would often say that we live in messianic times. He felt this way because there has never been a time in history when so many people of the world live at peace with each other.
Yes, I’m aware of the darkness that still exists, but if you look at the big picture, globally we are living during the best and safest time in history.
We are certainty lucky to be living in a democratic country.
Let’s use our freedom to do random acts of goodness and kindness because a little bit of light chases away a lot of darkness.
Rabbi Aryeh Lang
Lang is the executive director of Saving Lives Camarillo and Chabad of Camarillo.