If you, dear regular visitor to this blog (do you even exist?!), were wondering where I’ve been for the past few weeks – I was visiting the US of A. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to be precise. And with all that’s been going on in the country, I was…I wouldn’t say concerned…but I was curious to see what the environment would be like now. I’ve been to Pittsburgh before as well, and it’s always been a pleasure. So, I wanted to see if anything had changed.

Although my trip went as well as could’ve been expected, it is in this context that I came across the following sign outside one of the houses:

I wish I had a better quality image. But if you look closely enough, you’ll see the message repeated in multiple languages (I understood only one, but I’m assuming that’s what the others are conveying too).

The above sign caught my fancy immediately. I was once again reminded of the power of words. So much said in so few words.

In a world that’s becoming ever more negative, it doesn’t take much to bring in some positivity, at least in our little neighbourhood, in whatever small way that we can. I think I’ve said this before too, but I’ll say it again – just a few kind words, a smile, a patient ear can do wonders for a sagging spirit. They remind us that there’s still some good left in the world. It may not always be dark where you are, but it’s always good to know that there is someone with a candle.

There’s a lot of noise and chaos in the world today. Amidst all this, sometimes we forget that not everyone is the same in this world – for every hater, you will find those who’ll stand by you, too. I think small gestures in our everyday lives, like the one above, have a stronger impact on society than simply taking part in processions and rallies, and then forgetting about the message a short while later.

We are all human. We have similar hopes, dreams, and fears. The color of our skin, the stamp on our passports, our sex and sexuality, etc. – these shouldn’t be the criteria for judgments. Intentions, thoughts, actions – if you must, judge a person based on these.

To the people of this house above: I want to thank you. You made me feel good and welcome. You give me hope. You’ve opened your heart and home to others, and I hope God will open His’ to you. Wish you the best.

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PS: If you know the house that I’m talking about, please share this message and my gratitude with the owners; I’d be much obliged.