How will they know?

I read an interesting article yesterday about a women in Charlotte, North Carolina who reportedly wrote a note to a group of "mean girls" in a Starbucks.

During a visit to the local Starubucks, Michelle Icard noticed three girls making fun of another girl who sang a song at a talent show about being lonely.  They also ridiculed gifts they had received from friends in the past.
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As the girls continued their chat, Icard said she felt like "there was a bullying element. There was a positioning of power and they were putting themselves above others." Engraged, she said, "I have never had such a strong reaction".

Now the reality, is most people would have stopped there, shook their heads and complained to family or friends later on the situation witnessed.  However, Icard bravely did what many would never imagine doing.  She mustered up the courage and took the opportunity to use it as a teachable moment.  

She ordered three mini frappuccinos and had them delivered as she dropped off a hand-written note that read...

“Hi Girls!

“I sat near you today in Starbucks and listened as you talked. You three are obviously pretty and hard-working. I wish your kindness matched your pretty exteriors. I heard you talk about a girl who sang a song about being lonely in the talent show – and you laughed. About a girl who couldn’t be lead singer because you got all the votes, about crappy presents other people have given you…and you sounded so mean and petty.”

“You are smart and you are pretty. It would take nothing from you to also be kind. – M.”

Though she could have blasted the girls publicly bringing humiliation to them as they were bringing to those they were talking about.  She didn't scold them with a lengthy lecture, but instead, she took a risk, stepped outside of her comfort zone, and planted a seed that may actually blossom one day.  

The question I pose to you today, is when was the last time you went out of your way to bring correction (in love) to a loss generation.  Those girls, like many, were likely acting out what they had learned or even experienced first-hand.  Had they ever been taught to be nice?  Had anyone ever explained the power of the tongue and how it gives life or bring about destruction?  Had anyone ever taken time to challenge them on their behavior or way of thinking?  Well, thanks to Ms. Icard, they now have something to think about.  Now that they know better, they have an opportunity to do better.

Ms. Icard may never have an opportunity to cross paths again with those girls, but the seed has been planted. She has done her part.  Now the girls have an opportunity to take what they have learned and do good.