Choir Notes

Good News
From Music and the Spoken Word
Delivered By: Lloyd D. Newell • Program 4195

An evening television news commentator, after delivering story after story of tragic and unhappy events, paused and with a smile on her face and a sound of relief in her voice said, “And now some good news.” She went on to tell of a notable act of service rendered to someone in need.

Of course, those who bring us the news are interested in reporting the truth. And the truth is, there is plenty of good news to report. Examples of hope, courage, commitment, and personal sacrifice are everywhere. They are found in hospital recovery rooms, in schools, in houses of worship, and in loving homes. Good news is made by devoted religious leaders, honest businesspeople, diligent students, and parents who listen to their children. It seems to come most frequently from otherwise ordinary people who respond generously when someone is in need, down the street or around the world. Every day, while our attention may be focused on a world of trouble, all around us is the good news that people care, they are willing to share, and small acts of kindness really do matter.

Sometimes it seems bad news travels faster than good, that there is more of a market for hate than for happiness. Good news may not always sell newspapers or improve broadcast ratings, but it does lift and inspire the human spirit.

We don’t need to wait for a commentator to announce good news. We can find relief from bad news and find great joy by making good news ourselves—in our own community, our own neighborhood, our own family. If we look around, we will see opportunities to bring some good news to the lives of others. In quiet acts of service, by simply doing our duty, by lending a willing hand to those who need a little help, we can be the good news.