It might have been

It Might Have Been

Last year for school I had to read a book on John Greenleaf Whittier. He was a great man and he showed incredible selflessness. He also fought against slavery, knowing, as it says it the book, “The right must win and that duty must be done at all costs.” Even at the cost of losing his career.

His first poem was published unbeknownst to himself! That is until he saw it in the Free Press newspaper. Whittier’s sister Mary had sent in the poem, for she had found out, not only that her brother wrote poems, but also the spot where he kept them hidden. 

William Lloyd Garrison, the owner of the newspaper, had the poem published, and beneath the last verse was written a note saying that he would be glad to publish more poems by the same author.  

Garrison even came to visit the Whittier farmhouse to urge his father to send John to school. 

John Greenleaf Whittier and William Lloyd Garrison became good friends and Garrison had a newspaper called the Liberator, in which he spoke out against slavery. They were both very courageous men, as they fought slavery together.

 

One of the most famous quotes by John Greenleaf Whittier is, “For all sad words of tongue and pen, the saddest are these, ‘it might have been.”

 

I was asked the question weather or not I agreed with this quote and why or why not?

Of course I very much agree with this quote.

The quote is saying that we can never change the past. 

There are mistakes we have made and we can’t go back and redo those mistakes. And to think it might have been! We could have done this or that better, we could have done things differently. It all could have been done differently.  

“For all sad words of tongue and pen, the saddest are these, it might have been.” 

Thank you for reading and let me know what you think of the quote. Also, if you have anything else I should write about, or any questions you want me to answer, let me know!

Do you think people are as gracious nowadays as they were in 1816? I'll be answering that next post!

 

Can reading about Nature impact your life in a positive way?

The benefits of reading about Nature

Last year I had to write a short paper answering the question, whether or not reading about nature impacts your life in a positive way. 

If we're out on a walk, bicycle ride, or just enjoying some fresh air from the lawn or porch, we definitely get benefits from nature, right? 

Right. 

But what about when we read about nature? Does this actually give us benefits? 

My short answer is: it can. 

But how and why? 

By reading about nature we come to better know and appreciate the beauty of the great outdoors. In addition to that, reading about nature may cause us to want to experience it ourselves. Even if that just means stepping outside to gaze around us; at the birds flying overhead; at the squirrels scampering across the yard, or at the rabbits looking for a tasty lunch. At the trees swaying in the breeze; at the grass under our feet; at the sky above us; or even at the little bugs and insects buzzing by, or roaming the sidewalk. 

The great outdoors is beautiful and inspiring place where we will better appreciate the creations of God. 

Maybe, as we look overhead, we’ll see a Bald Eagle soaring across the sky, or hear a Cardinal singing from the treetop. It is such a relaxation to get out there and enjoy the wonderful outdoors; to hear those birds and listen to their wonderful tunes. 

By reading about this sort of thing we might get excited to see them for ourselves as well, even to the extent of traveling to some neighboring states to see the great mountains, the giant Joshua Trees, or some other iconic thing or place in nature like the great National Parks. 

So, answering the question, even just reading descriptions of nature in books can impact mine and your life in a positive way. Even if we are just thinking of God’s great creations, because it may cause us to get "a note happier" and know that, with God anything is possible. 

Thank you for reading and let me know if you agree. Why or why not? If you have any other questions you want answered, or anything else I should write about, just let me know! 

Oh, and, have you every told yourself, "It might have been?" 

That's what my next post is going to be on. John Greenleaf Whittier's famous quote, "For all sad words of tongue and pen, the saddest are these, ‘It might have been."

I'll dive a little deeper into the meaning and give a little bit of insight.

Thanks again for reading,

The Writer

Is it always Good to be Bold?

   Why it's not always good to be Bold

It was about one year ago for school that I was reading Men of Iron by Howard Pyle and I was tasked with answering the question, "Is it always good to be bold?"

As, quoting from the book Sir James Lee states, “Thus it is that boldness may breed one enemies as well as friends."

Is this statement true? Why or why not?

Yes, Sir James Lee is exactly right. Boldness, while it may help you make friends, it will also make enemies.

But why? Being bold will cause admiration among others, but it will also cause envy with others, thus making friends and enemies.

So, answering the question, "Is it always good to be bold?"

No, there are times to be bold, to speak out, to be a leader, and there are times to follow, to listen, to be silent.

When should we be bold?

We should speak out against wrongs and try to right them, instead of ignoring them and remaining silent. He should be a leader when the time is right, when he is fit best for the role. There are times for this but there are times when you shouldn’t be bold, but, instead remain silent.

When are these times...?"

I think the following quote by St. John of the Cross answers this question, Whenever something displeasing or disagreeable happens, remember Christ crucified and be silent.

So, to recap, there are times to be bold and times to be silent but we need to know when these times are and not get angry when we should keep calm, not be shy when we should speak out, not be a follower when he should be a leader.

It will pay no dividends if we act the wrong way at the wrong time. Just remember there are times to be bold and times to remain silent, but we should know when these times are and act accordingly. Keep calm when need be and don't be shy when righting a wrong. Don't be afraid to speak out against wrongs and try your best to fix them. Don't give up, no matter what challenges you face along the way.

We might even get mocked for trying to right wrongs, but, nevertheless, remain steadfast!

Thank you for reading my post today and let me know whether you agree with my answer. Why or why not?

Look in the "Story Idea" page to see what I have coming in the future and feel free to suggest any of your ideas in the comments, e.g., short story ideas, questions to answer or break down etc.

Until next week,

The Writer