I am my church’s official photographer and in that role each Sunday I try and look for at least one shot that is unique. The other Sunday, I read a slogan on the back of a sweatshirt that stopped me in my tracks it read:
“Dear person behind me, the world is a better place with you in it. Love, the person in front of you.”
I wasn’t prepared for the emotion that rose up in me. What a powerful message tucked into such a simple line of clothing. Think about it how often do we walk through our day without realizing that the person standing behind us in the checkout line, driving in the next lane, or sitting quietly in the waiting room might desperately need that reminder?
We don’t always know the battles people are fighting. Some are carrying grief, some are weighed down by doubt, and others simply feel invisible. And yet, a message like this sweatshirt offers a gentle nudge: You matter. Your presence makes this world richer, brighter, and more beautiful.
Dr. Myles Munroe said:
The wealthiest place on earth is the cemetery, because there you will find the books that were never written, the songs that were never sung, the inventions that were never shared, the cures that were never discovered, all because someone was too afraid to take that first step, keep with the problem, or determined to carry out their dream.
Imagine the many books, songs, inventions, and cures that would miss the cemetery and would make it out into the world if we each lived out that sweatshirt sentiment, Dear person behind me, the world is a better place with you in it. Love, the person in front of you. Not just a catchy slogan, but a way of being. A smile instead of a frown. Patience instead of frustration. Kindness instead of indifference.
The world doesn’t need more critics it needs more encouragers. And sometimes encouragement is as simple as reminding the person behind you that their life has value.
So today, whether you’re in line at the coffee shop, at work, or even scrolling online, take a moment to “sign your name” with love. Because I need you to survive, the world really is a better place with you in it.