If you are into soul and the blues, you probably are familiar with the song, “Try a Little Tenderness.”  It has been recorded by many artists, but my two favorites are the Etta James and Otis Redding versions. This song is about a guy showing tenderness to his girlfriend when she is feeling sad and discouraged.  But, I think that this phrase is powerful. What if we made these words a “go-to” for times when we see someone in need? What if we chose to think of tenderness instead of succumbing to knee-jerk reactions when we see a situation that we could not possibly understand without knowing more?

Tenderness is something to think about in times like these when people disagree on so many things.  It is so easy to see behavior in others and make judgments without knowing the whole story. There is a negative media and rudeness is commonplace.  But behind all these actions is a story unseen. There are many reasons for behavior. It seems like ‘tenderness” could be an antidote to some of the negatives we see displayed.

Even a kind look at someone who is struggling can help ease pain.  Looking at another person in a tender way can have a positive effect on another person.   It can be like a balm that eases a worried soul, if only for a moment.  

Tenderness is not seen and felt as much as it is needed.  There is much work to be done to make our world more loving and kind.  Once, I had a moment when I chose tenderness instead of judgement. And an uncomfortable situation was changed in an instant.  I have never forgotten how that made me feel. I felt so grateful for that decision at the time. But since then, I am even more grateful for the lesson it taught me.

If we want things to be more peaceful, kindness and understanding are necessary.  Tenderness is just one way of showing this. It can’t hurt and it’s certainly worth a try.