The Power of Kindness: A Reflection on "A Prayer for Every Day"

What we now have is the opposite of kindness but as individuals including myself must let go of anger and act with kindness.

The Power of Kindness

A Prayer for Every Day
by Mary Carolyn Davies

Make me too brave to lie or be unkind.
Make me too understanding, too, to mind
The little hurts companions give, and friends,
The careless hurts that no one quite intends.
Make me too thoughtful to hurt others so.
Help me to know
The inmost hearts of those for whom I care,
Their secret wishes, all the loads they bear,
That I may add my courage to their own.
May I make lonely folks feel less alone,
And happy ones a little happier yet.
May I forget
What ought to be forgotten; and recall
Unfailing, all
That ought to be recalled, each kindly thing,
Forgetting what might sting.
To all upon my way,
Day after day,
Let me be joy, be hope! Let my life sing!

As I write this essay, I admit that I feel very angry at Trump and the administration for which the American people mistakenly voted.

This poem attracted me because it calls for something missing in the political environment enveloping the United States under the leadership of Donald Trump and his pal Elon Musk and the MAGA Republicans. Musk is described as a Doge selected by Donald Trump.

What does DOGE stand for?

• Doge is the Department of Government Efficiency, a United States temporary organization established by Donald Trump for his second term. United States DOGE Service is a technology unit housed within the Executive Office of the President of the United States, formerly known as the United States Digital Service.

• Formerly the chief magistrate in the republics of Venice and Genoa. Judge, jurist, justice. A public official can decide on questions brought before a court of justice.

• This Doge is firing countless Federal workers, even those with excellent reviews. The fake claim is that they were functioning poorly in their jobs.

There is no kindness in their rhetoric and behavior. In all of their concerns about illegal immigration and the crimes they supposedly commit, they are staunchly pro-gun while random gun shootings occur all over the country. I have not looked at the statistics of the number of deaths caused by these shootings, but I know they are dismally high. We must read and think carefully about this poem and its simple yet vital message.

The Trump administration is ending nearly all foreign assistance programs operated by the United States Agency for International Development. This decision significantly undermines the agency, which has been active for 60 years and has worked to prevent the spread of disease and reduce poverty in over 120 countries.

There are many other heartless and moranic things that this administration is doing, not the least of which has to do with vaccinations and fluoride in our water.

Mary Carolyn Davies' poem A Prayer for Every Day is about kindness, understanding, and having the strength to be honest and wise. She reminds us not to take small hurts personally. How often do we feel upset over something a friend did without meaning to hurt us? She prays to help lonely people feel less alone and to bring even more happiness to those who are already happy. More than anything, she wants to spread joy and hope.

This message is especially important in America today. People are often divided, focusing on their differences instead of what they have in common. Political arguments, social conflicts, and personal struggles make the world feel harsher, as if kindness is disappearing. Davies' poem reminds us that what truly matters is how we treat each other in everyday life.

One of the biggest lessons in the poem is to understand that everyone carries burdens. Many people struggle with money, family problems, health issues, or emotional pain. We can all help in small but meaningful ways. A kind word, a smile, or patience can make a big difference to someone struggling.

Today, social media and the news often increase anger and resentment. But the poem teaches us to focus on the good and let go of what weighs us down. Holding on to anger only hurts us, while forgiveness and understanding bring peace.

One of the most powerful lines in the poem is the wish to bring joy and hope to others. A life filled with kindness and hope helps those around us and makes our lives richer and more meaningful. The message in the poem is true for me just as much as everyone else. I too must let go of my anger.

Now more than ever, we need Mary Carolyn Davies's "Prayer for Every Day."