Sow Good Seeds Anyway: A Reflection Inspired by Mother Teresa, with a Nod to Kantis Simmons

By Dr. Alice Prince

In a world often marked by challenges and uncertainties, Mother Teresa's enduring poem, "Anyway," serves as a radiant beacon of hope and faith. Her words resonate with a profound truth that transcends time and space, reminding us of the importance of sowing good seeds, regardless of how we are treated by others. I love Mother Teresa. Her grit and love inspire me daily.

Smart Friends

I was fortunate to receive inspiration this week from my dear friend, Kantis Simmons, whose journey from being a NASA scientist to an incredible entrepreneur exemplifies the spirit of resilience and unwavering commitment to one's dreams. Kantis's story, much like Mother Teresa's poem, showcases the power of faith and determination in shaping one's destiny. Kantis is one of the smartest people I know.

In life, we encounter a diverse array of souls, each with their own unique stories and struggles. Some will uplift us with their kindness and support, while others may disappoint us with their indifference or unkindness. Yet, as Mother Teresa's wisdom reminds us, we should never allow the actions of others to dictate our own character or the path that God has intended for us. Sometimes this is hard. And if I am being honest, I struggle with this very wisdom. However, I love to read the poem “Anyway” when I find myself struggling.

Be Good Anway

The heart of "Anyway" lies in its unwavering call to persevere in goodness, compassion, and faith, even when faced with adversity. It encourages us to be the architects of our destinies, rooted in our relationship with God and guided by our commitment to sow seeds of love, kindness, and understanding, regardless of external circumstances. Kantis’s advice to me was “Sow good seeds, anyway.”

Mother Teresa and Kantis Simmons both understood that the judgments and opinions of the world are fleeting, like ripples on the surface of a pond. They invite us to rise above the tides of negativity and cynicism to cultivate a faith that remains unshaken by the storms of life. It is a faith that finds its strength not in the validation of others but in the unwavering belief that our actions, no matter how small, can make a profound difference. I invite you to do the same.

Good Fruit

As we reflect on their wisdom, we are reminded that sowing good seeds is an act of profound grace and love. It is a reflection of our faith in God's plan and a commitment to being the embodiment of His light in a world that often knows darkness. Each act of kindness, each word of encouragement, each moment of forgiveness, is a seed planted in the garden of our souls, destined to bear fruit in due time. Bearing good fruit is key!

So, let us resolve to live out the wisdom of Mother Teresa's poem, to sow good seeds anyway, not because it is convenient or because we expect immediate rewards, but because it is an expression of our faith and our unwavering commitment to be the best version of ourselves.

Transformative Power

In doing so, we become living testimonies to the transformative power of love and grace. We become beacons of hope in a world that so desperately needs it. And in the end, we find that it is not the way others treat us that defines us, but rather the way we choose to respond, the way we choose to sow good seeds anyway, in faith, hope, and love. With Kantis Simmons as a shining example, we can see that when we align our actions with our dreams and remain unwavering in our faith, the possibilities are boundless, and our impact on the world is immeasurable.

"Anyway"

People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered;

Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind,

People may accuse you of selfish ulterior motives;

Be kind anyway.

If you are successful,

You will win some false friends and some true enemies;

Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank,

People may cheat you;

Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building,

Someone could destroy overnight;

Build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness,

They may be jealous;

Be happy anyway.

The good you do today,

People will often forget tomorrow;

Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have,

And it may never be enough;

Give the world the best you've got anyway.

You see, in the final analysis,

It is between you and God;

It was never between you and them anyway.

Reflection Questions

1. How does Mother Teresa's poem, "Anyway," resonate with your own life experiences and values? In what ways have you encountered situations where sowing good seeds despite adversity has been challenging yet essential?

2. Reflect on the role of faith in Mother Teresa's journey. How has faith shaped her actions and decisions, and how can you apply this principle of unwavering faith to your own life and aspirations?

3. Consider the idea that our character and identity should not be determined by how others treat us. How can you practice resilience and maintain your sense of self, regardless of external circumstances or the opinions of others?

4. In your own life, think about instances where you have sown good seeds, even in the face of challenges or setbacks. What were the outcomes of these actions, and how did they contribute to your personal growth and the well-being of those around you?