Last week as I made a low pass through the living room, always running, hurry, hurry, run, I heard a beautiful song. It was a video on the country music channel. Tim McGraw sang it with a soft, compassionate voice, but it was when the words splashed into my face and I really heard them that I sat down and enjoyed the peacefulness I suddenly felt throughout my being. It had been a long time.

Humble and Kind (in part)

Hold the door say please say thank you

Don’t steal, don’t cheat, and don’t lie

I know you’ve got mountains to climb but

Always stay humble and kind.

There’s something to humble and kind, especially this week. I know you will agree our nation has had a long and painful political season. I think it is time to bring back humble and kind. The world has gotten too mean and peace has eluded us, replaced by horrific violence. I want our peace back. I know you do as well.

“Humble and Kind” written by Lori McKenna, a mother of five, echoes her great hope for her children and even though the theme of the song is reminiscent of “a parent sending their child into the world,” Lori McKenna was surprised how well it was received, nationwide. The song recently won “Video of the Year” at the 2016 CMT Music Awards.

Go to church cause your momma says to

Visit grandpa every chance that you can

It won’t be wasted time

Always stay humble and kind.

And as the lyrics saturated my brain and the tune awoke me at night, I wondered? Can we truly be humble and kind again or have we adapted to this cruel world in such a way that we can never return to an innocent time? Have the words that now drop from our lips and as well our uncaring actions, violence and attacks, become as deadly as roadside bombs in Afghanistan?

I must admit these thoughts are sobering. It suddenly occurred to me that I must convert my thoughts into prayers. Maybe the world will join – one prayer at the time. Praying is the only way out.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing.

If we as Americans continue on this self-centered pathway, we are doomed. Humility, it has seemed, is no longer a desired trait. Doesn’t our society encourage boldness? Do we not teach our children to compete? Then why are we surprised that our world has turned ugly, especially now? Oh, we can blame it all on politics. That’s an easy way out, but the reality is our mindset has bypassed the desperately needed character-building ingredients of humility and kindness.

Dear readers: You know me. I had rather incorporate humor into my stories, especially southern humor. I admit this piece is a real bummer but at the same time, this column is needed. We must, must, must humbly respect each other and in just a little while, there is the great possibility that our respect for others, even those who do not agree with us, will become kind feelings.

Yes, always stay humble and kind – there’s something to it.

Anne McKee is a Mississippi historian, writer and storyteller. She is listed on the Mississippi Humanities Speakers Bureau. See her website: www.annmckeestoryteller.com