‘If You See Something, Say Something’

It is written all over train stations and airports: “If you see something, say something.”  This slogan is an important safety mantra that reminds us that suspicious behavior of strangers out in public needs to be reported to the authorities.  It can save lives and a million heartaches. 

However, we don’t have to use this slogan only to mean the reporting of nefarious activity.  If we see something good, we can say that too!  How often our hearts have been encouraged by a kind word or an unsolicited “Thank you.” 

Sadly, we are too quick to say something negative or speak up about things that are not going our way. But we neglect to appreciate the carefully prepared communion table, the flowers in the front yard, the faithful clerk at the post office holding your mail while you have been on vacation.

I carefully follow bills that pass through the halls of our state governments that have implications for children, the poor, health, and social justice. Again and again, those who work to lobby for human rights remind us to thank the lawmakers after they fight for a bill that brings a voice to those without power. Often lawmakers and public servants hear more complaints than commendations.  Everyone needs encouragement from top to bottom.

If you see something, say something.  Be like the Apostle Paul who reminds us, “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8) And then “say something.”  Give a good word today!