What a sweet, lovely thread. Yes, we do need more manners, "Thank you kindly for that, Miss Manners." And yes, we do need more kindness. Mostly, though we need more "Christ likeness in our lives." When we have that, we will experience the outpouring of more manners and more kindnesses.
I'll add, though....
- Gentlemen, protect the women with whom you are associated - not just your girlfriend or wife. If a lady has to stay late to work, be certain she is not alone in the building. Recommend: not just you, the gentleman, stay with her because of the possibility of gossip, etc. Further protect ladies by walking on the outside when out walking. This stems from protecting the lady from abusive individuals in the road and walkway and also protecting them from splashes from mud (from days when streets were unpaved
). In other words, find ways to throw a shield of protectiveness around the ladies. I believe that God smiles favorably on that.
- Ladies, when you are protected by a gentleman or when someone (child, man, other lady) holds the door for you, graciously smile and verbally reply with thanks.
- Sprinkle smiles around wherever you go - especially to stores where you see harrassed clerks, cashiers, stockers, and managers. It will help you and it will certainly help them.
- See someone ahead of you who is a little short of funds to pay for their order and that order is good for them? Give that dollar or so to bless them.
- Bless your pastor with a gift card to a restaurant so he and his wife/family can enjoy an evening out.
- Bless your neighbor by being there for them but not being "in their face."
- Know a widow or widower who could use a little financial assist - especially in your church body? Go through the pastor and give an anonymous gift. It just might buy that month's prescription they so desperately need or it just might allow their thermostat to register a little more heat in the house.
