If you've turned on the news this past month, this is probably what you've heard about: a political race that seems more like a comedy-horror show, Brock Turner raping an unconscious woman, a devastating mass shooting in Orlando, the accidental death of a toddler at a Disney lagoon, and countless other stories that weigh heavily on the heart. Are reports like these all we have to look forward to?
The answer is no. There are still people out there who are proving that while the world seems to be turning into a cesspool of violence and grief, there is still good. Every day, average people commit above-average acts of love, courage, and strength that get little attention. They are the pockets of sunlight that can warm my heart, even when it is full of sadness. In the wake of all this tragedy, I wanted to put a spotlight on five stories that fit this mold.
1. Josh Marshall's tattoo
Josh Marshall of Kansas won the #BestBaldDad contest sponsored by the St. Baldrick's Foundation, a childhood cancer charity. His son is battling brain cancer and was self-conscious about the scar from his surgery. To help build his son's confidence, Marshall got a tattoo to match his son's scar.
2. Strides in being green
Google any science news site, and you'll view tons of incredible stories about advances in everything from solar energy and wind power to saving animals to improving farming techniques. Although humanity still needs to work on its relationship with Mother Nature, there are people out there finding success in making the globe more sustainable.
For example, the world's largest vertical farm is about to deliver its first harvest. Just outside of New York City, this 70,000 square-foot indoor farm can grow seventy times more food per square foot than can be grown in an open field. The vertical farm also uses no pesticides and requires 95% less water. There are four other similar facilities, with more being constructed in the US and abroad. Imagine the impact this could have in areas of drought or famine.
3. Dog rescued in Kazakhstan
A group of people spotted a dog on the edge of a waterfall below a floodgate and formed a human chain to go down and rescue it. These people are real-life super heroes!
4. Veteran's funeral drew a crowd of 200
Serina Vine served in radio intelligence for the U.S. Navy during World War II. She was homeless sometime after the war until she spent her last twenty years in a Veterans Affairs hospital. She died with no known relatives. Retired Army Major Jaspen Boothe read Vine's obituary and, through social media, rallied a crowd of about 200 people at Quantico National Cemetery in Virginia. Not only is this turnout awe-inspiring, but the fact the Internet was used for something other than arguments and hateful comments is an uplifting bonus.
5. Johnny Depp visited a children's hospital dressed as Captain Jack Sparrow
It's always heartwarming to see the rich and famous give back rather than self-indulge. Last year, Johnny Depp visited Lady Cilento's Children's Hospital in Australia in full Captain Jack Sparrow costume and character. He went from room to room, making sure to visit the bedridden kids. One mother stated, "It was really beautiful. Everyone kept on trying to move him on, but he kept on coming back" to spend time with the kids.
There are a lot of things that go wrong in the world. But if you look hard enough, there are things that go right. Stories like these are the reason I don't totally lose faith in humanity when I hear about the deplorable acts that some people commit. Remember that on the other side of the coin, there is still love, altruism, and best of all, hope.
