Many years ago, my late mother gave me two words of advice that have always stuck with me: Be humble. It is no secret that today’s political discourse is bereft of humility and kindness. But won’t our world be a better place if we can find generosity of spirit as we go about our days? I know it’s there, and if I can offer some gentle advice — wouldn’t it be nice if we thought more often about being humble and kind? In pondering this I was reminded of a song from a few years ago that celebrates the simple idea of respecting one another. Tim McGraw’s “Humble and Kind” is a reason to smile.
Songwriter Lori McKenna wrote the Grammy-winning song as a poem of principles for her five children. In the hands of country superstar McGraw, it became a bona fide hit, an anthem of integrity.
The music video enhances the beauty and simplicity of the song by celebrating all races, religions, and cultures. While running on a treadmill, McGraw happened to see a 30-second trailer for Oprah Winfrey’s television series “Belief” and was mesmerized by the stunning imagery. He knew it would be perfect.
The song is full of words to live by, such as “Hold the door, say please, say thank you. Don’t steal, don’t cheat, and don’t lie.”
Or this one, a personal favorite:
“Don’t take for granted the love this life gives you. When you get where you’re goin’, don’t forget, turn back around. Help the next one in line, always stay humble and kind.”