Reflections of Life produces gorgeous short films that uplift the personal stories of ordinary people, with the goal of sharing ideas and inspiring change. We feel hugely blessed to feature video-stories that filmmakers Michael and Justine capture with exquisite expertise, and which so beautifully illustrate grateful living principles and practices. In this short film we hear from Bronwen Lankers-Byrne.
Learn more about Reflections of Life (formerly Green Renaissance) through our Grateful Changemaker feature.
Questions for Reflection
- What do you stand for? What do you hold as sacred?
- What might you do this day to help create a “tiny ripple of change” as Bronwen suggests?
We invite you to share your reflections below the video transcript that follows.
Video Transcript
People have gotten comfortable. We don’t speak out. We shy away from discomfort. That’s the conditioning we’ve had as a society, we’ve allowed the context to just move without us, just going along with it. It’s just easier to look the other way and pretend it’s not happening.
For injustice to prevail, all it takes is for good people to remain silent.
There are certain places in the world that are sacred, places that allow me to be at peace, to reconnect.
I do get a sense of awe and wonder, the majesty and the miracle of the presence of the mountains, the ocean and the waves. It’s just a magical place.
We need to ensure that it is protected for future generations.
I trust that it’s not too late. We can change the course of things. Each time one person speaks out against injustice, they create a tiny ripple of change. And when many different ripples join together, they form a current which our leaders cannot ignore. We need to remember that our voice matters.
To support Michael and Justine in their film-making journey, visit Reflections of Life.
It is very hard and will no doubt anger some people if we speak up. But I do believe that this is what we are called to do, to work for justice. We might lose friends or even worse. But we must.
It is difficult to stand out…to stand up amongst those who are doing nothing regarding a wrong or amongst those doing a great wrong. I have tried in the most gentle way to speak up for my faith when others have ridiculed it to my face. I have spoken up for those of colour when others have said discriminatory and ignorant things. I get the image of a man made whirlpool. When you have many people going in a one circular direction, the current becomes so strong you can just lift your feet and let the current take you in that direction. Now if you want to change the direction of the current, at first it is very hard to move against it, but with practice it can be done and if others join you, now you’ve got some help. The other current may seem strong, but they feel the friction of the resistance even as small as it is. I know when I stand for what is right it does make a difference.
We often ask ourselves how do we feel with the world or what can the world give to me. Sometimes I ask myself how does the world feel with me. The earth, the animals , who are killed in millions. The oceans, the trees. How do they feel with me. I have to say , I don‘t think they feel to good about me. Yes we need to change ourselves. I have to change myself . . .