WORDS TO LIVE BY

Just Because

Just because you don’t love someone
It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try
Even if you feel you hate someone
You should try to love them
Why? Because trying to love
Is infinitely better than hating.

Just because someone has already said it one way
It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t say it again
Another way—or your way.
If the way you say it helps just one other person
Then surely it should be said.

Just because you can’t say it in a grand way
It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t say it.
Sometimes the simplest way
Turns out to be the grandest way of all.

Just because you’re mocked by men
It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t act anyway.
The wise ones tell us to love our critics
And heal both you and them.

Just because you may try and fail
It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try.
It’s better to stumble and maybe fall
Than to never try at all.

Just because you can’t help everyone
It doesn’t mean you can’t help someone.
If everyone helped who they couldIt would be enough.

—Gerald Henry
Bermuda, August 2000