Is there a Mary Magdalene in your life?

Is there a Mary Magdalene in your life—someone who needs a little unexpected reassurance and inspiration?

Perhaps there is a friend, relative or business partner whom you haven’t spoken to in years because of some long-forgotten disagreement. True, some relationships are beyond repair; but you never know the emotional impact of an olive branch until you try. You may find yourself lifting a dark cloud and making up for lost time.

Are your children or grandchildren enablers of bullies? Instead of letting them cheer the bullies or give tacit approval of the bullies, nudge them to show support for the underdog. Encourage them to defend the new kid in town, the weird kid, the sissy kid. It could be life-changing for an entire classroom.

Are there shut-ins on your street (or in the local nursing home) who face long, dreary days because of physical impairment and the fact that their children live thousands of miles away? Drop in for a chat. Offer to do some chores. Let them know they matter.

Human beings do not have to be rudderless, purposeless and hopeless. They do not have to live lives of quiet desperation - if someone cares enough to give them a sense of self-worth and brighter tomorrows.

Whether you embrace the Gospel or consider it a fairy tale, the possibilities for uplifting, “out of the blue” attitude adjustments are endless.

Whether you cherish the cross of Calvary or not, you can still be the cavalry riding to the rescue of fellow humans who have given up hope.

Danny Tyree welcomes email responses at tyreetyrades@aol.com and visits to his Facebook fan page “Tyree’s Tyrades.”