Chapter 1: The Strength of Ordinary Actions

Some hold the belief that only immense power can deter evil, but my experience tells a different story. It is the simple, everyday actions of regular individuals that fend off darkness—acts of kindness and love.

In "The Hobbit," Gandalf states, “One person cannot change the world.” While this is true, a single individual can ignite a movement that transforms the world. History is replete with examples of this phenomenon.

We witness evil around us, and it often fills us with fear and anger. It's easy to feel powerless in the face of such malevolence, and indeed, on our own, we may feel that way. However, it’s likely that many others share our sentiments and are waiting for the encouragement to oppose evil.

Standing against evil comes with its own dangers, yet the greater peril lies in complacency. The most effective tools against malevolence are love and kindness. Anger, blame, and loud denunciations only empower evil.

When we confront evil with hostility, we risk embodying the very darkness we oppose. It’s simple to label those who harm others as irredeemable. However, they may simply be arrogant, ignorant, or self-absorbed, rather than inherently evil.

When confronted with differing viewpoints, it's easy to view those who disagree with us as not just mistaken, but as evil. It’s crucial to remember that they might be right, and we could be wrong—both of us might be mistaken.

We must tread carefully when we believe we hold the moral high ground. In our quest to combat evil, we might be tempted to employ dubious tactics due to the significance of the issues at stake.

While striving against evil in the world, we must also recognize the darkness within ourselves. The actions of others that provoke us often mirror our own shortcomings.

The safest and most effective way to combat evil is to wield love and kindness as our instruments. This approach minimizes the risk of contributing to the overall darkness in the world.

The world is always in need of more love and kindness. Even if we feel powerless, we are only so if we permit it. We don’t require extraordinary power to confront evil; our daily actions hold a profound impact on our lives and the world around us—more than we often realize.

— Rod Pickett

Now available at Amazon: The Courageous Heart: Wisdom for Difficult Times in paperback and eBook.

Chapter 2: The Impact of Small Acts

In this enlightening video, "It Is The Small Everyday Deeds Of Ordinary Folk That Keep The Darkness At Bay," we explore how simple, daily actions can significantly contribute to combating darkness and fostering positivity.

The video "The Power of Small Acts: Gandalf's Wisdom - Why the Halfling?" delves into the wisdom shared by Gandalf, highlighting the profound impact small acts can have on the world.