by Quinn C.
Being George Bailey
We have almost reached Christmas and the end of another year. Unless you are a procrastinator like me, your shopping is done, your tree is lit, your house decorated, and you are simply waiting for the 25th with family and friends nearby.
Christmas is one of those times we can lose perspective. Everywhere we look, people are maxing out their credit cards, our living rooms and stacked with gifts, and we are stuffing our faces with holiday food. Times can seem misleadingly tranquil. We can lose perspective on the world around us and forget that we live in times of great change. No longer can the lives we have be sustained without action. The world is going in a direction that requires us to stand for what we believe in, or lose the lives we take for granted.
A few weeks ago Glenn announced the launch of a new non-profit initiative, Mercury One.
People have been curious what Mercury One is. People have been wondering what exactly what Mercury One will be doing, and what it means to be a supporter of Mercury One. Mercury One members will be the George Baileys in their town. They aren’t necessarily the most powerful or the richest people. They have full lives and little free time for themselves. What identifies them is these people are decent. They treat everyone with kindness, even those who don’t reciprocate. When they see a person in need they offer a hand up because that is simply what people of merit do. Mercury One believes you are taking action by setting an example for people in your life. As Clarence reminded George, “Each man’s life touches so many other lives. When he isn’t around he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?”
Our world has become one of hate. Everywhere we look we see people spewing hatred or protesting something. No one is standing FOR anything. We have to offer people an alternative, and we will; one of generosity and kindness. We are going to give people the choice between light and dark. We believe people are good at heart, and when given that choice will choose light. This is the idea that is Mercury One. You can stop individuals but you cannot stop an idea founded on merit and generosity.
It all starts with you. This is how a movement starts. Be George Bailey. As we enjoy the Christmas season and approach the New Year, commit to being a person of merit. Commit to reaching out to others because, as Clarence put it, “No man is a failure who has friends.” Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Mercury One.