By Dennis P. Carman, President & CEO, United Way of Greater Plymouth County
We need much less negativity and much more positivity in our lives. “How in the world do we do that?” you might ask. Well, buckle up for another wild, twisting post.
So what does a rainbow, Kris Kristofferson, and the story of two poor little girls during the Oklahoma depression era, Dust Bowl days, have to do with each other or with anything for that matter?
Well, if you are at all like me, you appreciate stories that show us how some people can be kind and generous even in, and especially in, hard times. Please take a few moments to read or listen to the lyrics to this hidden gem” of a song by the master songwriter, Kris Kristofferson.
Here Comes That Rainbow Again
by Kris Kristofferson
The scene was a small roadside café.
The waitress was sweepin’ the floor.
Two truck drivers drinkin’ their coffee.
And two Okie kids by the door.
“How much are them candies?” They asked her.
“How much have you got?” She replied.
“We’ve only a penny between us.”
“Them’s two for a penny, ” she lied.
And the daylight grew heavy with thunder
With the smell of the rain on the wind.
Ain’t it just like a human?
Here comes that rainbow again.
One truck driver called to the waitress
After the kids went outside.
“Them candies ain’t two for a penny.”
“So what’s it to you?” She replied.
In silence, they finished their coffee.
Then got up and nodded goodbye.
She called, “Hey, you left too much money.”
“So what’s it to you?” They replied.
And the daylight was heavy with thunder
With the smell of the rain on the wind.
Ain’t it just like a human?
Here comes that rainbow again.
I hope that after reading this story embodied in these lyrics you might feel a little better about humankind, though for its full effect, you might want to listen to ole Kris sing it!
Beyond feeling good when we learn of others extending generosity to their fellow human beings, are there other benefits to being generous?
Well, according to an article that I ran across recently on Columbia University Irving Medical Center’s website entitled, “Is Generosity Good for Your Health?” the answer is a resounding “yes”!
Kelli Harding, MD, MPH, an assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and author of The Rabbit Effect: Live Longer, Happier, and Healthier with the Groundbreaking Science of Kindness, writes the following:
“. . . generosity impacts our health and well-being in so many positive ways. It boosts mood, self-esteem, and our immune system. It also reduces stress, anxiety, and blood pressure. The associated feel-good chemicals can help reduce aches and pains and help us sleep better, too.”
Wow, so . . .
If we replace the menacing mantra of Michael Douglas’ character in the movie Wall Street that “Greed is Good” with the generous mantra “Share the Wealth and Share the Health,” then we can be toasting to each other’s healthy lives! If we gave to whatever causes we believe to be good, then not only would our health be better, but our world would, indeed, be a much more positive and wonderful place to live!
Be generous, and here comes that rainbow again!
Community Voices for Health 