Twilight bark 🐶 🐕 🐩
Perhaps you remember the story of the 101 Dalmatians? To locate and recover the stolen puppies, the "Twilight Bark" carried the plea for help all the way across London and out to the countryside (and back!) As each dog heard the message, they in turn passed it along, each doing what they could to relay the message.
Cats, horses, and even cows participated in the successful outcome - and no one had to do it all. Each played a part - some conveyed the important message, others investigated directly, while others provided guidance, shelter, transportation, or food.
Better yet, they didn't base their assistance on what type of animal or breed of dog was in need. They were each eager to do what they could, without discrimination or conditions.
In recognition of Women's Month and the role each person can play in changing an outcome, the story of Diane Simone comes to mind. Through her concern, she asked the important question...why do we have weather alerts and not alerts about missing children? As a result of asking that question, subsequent conversations and coordination materialized, and the Amber Alert system was developed. As of November 24, 2021, 1,085 children were successfully recovered. What a difference voicing that question made!
Such coordination need not always be in crisis. My uncle, a retired school teacher, recently described the phone tree they'd use to share the news of a snow day (before the age of automated texts, calls and emails!) The person he was assigned to call would joyfully celebrate on the other end of the phone, so he described how fun it was to be the conveyer of good news.
It's easy to underestimate the impact of your single voice, yet so much change occurs through a single person speaking up, conveying concern, questioning the status quo, verbalizing a vision for another way, or even passing along crucial information.
How can you stay connected to the value of lifting your voice in our current world, where there is so much hurt... so much need... so much injustice?
Perhaps there is a question you're called to ask. A message you're called to repeat and relay. A vision you're called to express. A plea for help you're called to answer.
And maybe someone else you know needs to know their voice matters, too. If so, please pass this message along.
If you're reviewing the story of 101 Dalmatians with children, it's also a great opportunity to explore the emotions - the fear, sadness, helplessness, and heartbreak that were experienced (specifically the dog parents - Pongo and Perdita)... And, how using their voice, expressing their needs and requests, and working together with so many different animals (of all varieties!) led to hope, reunion, justice, and joy.
You matter. You can make a difference. And, I'm so thankful you're here.
