The lone stalk in the field
A lesson in being your best, living with integrity, and respecting others
My belief in the good in this world was reinforced this week by two unrelated and completely different events. It unfolded with a TikTok and came full circle on my zero-turn mower. Life's unexpected moments often lead to seeing the world from a new perspective.
Dale Alexander, a mobile coffee shop owner and father of a transgender child, shares his views of the world on TikTok through a lens of hope and kindness. His words are unabashedly liberal. Every video is a lesson on how to persevere and thrive in a world where many see it differently.
I spun my zero-turn mower to make the next pass. I looked past the lawn into the large soybean field. A single cornstalk, a volunteer from the previous year's crop, stood tall amidst the ocean of soybeans. A volunteer!
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The TikTok highlighted an encounter between two individuals with opposing political views. Despite their differences, they managed to interact with respect and civility, offering a model for navigating the divisive election cycle ahead.
Perseverance over surrender
Alexander could have chosen to keep his views private. He knows that change happens when you persevere in difficult times. He actively listened and responded honestly and openly during the customer’s daily visits. This earned him credibility in the eyes of the customer who is unlikely to change his mind.
The lone cornstalk defied the odds. It survived the combine’s blade, the harsh winter, and spring planting. From a single kernel, it persevered to live on
Be your best
The men demonstrated that you can be at your best even in times when differences taunt you to be combative. The customer returns regularly and is firm in his stance. Alexander is likewise firm in his beliefs. Their commonality emerges when they engage in a two-way conversation that rises above what divides them.
Exposed to the elements, the cornstalk stands alone battling the wind's force. Its strength, like the soybeans, is in its roots. They grow and prosper in contrasting ways with a common base.
Integrity
The most prominent message in the video is the importance of being authentic with integrity. The men demonstrated their authenticity and integrity in their interactions despite possessing differing viewpoints. This is a powerful example of how to navigate disagreements with civility.
The cornstalk stands tall in a field of distinct differences. It commands a view far different from the soybeans at its feet, yet they survive and grow.
Respecting differences
This is a valuable lesson in navigating societal and political divisions. The cordial yet frank exchanges between the customer and owner stand in stark contrast to today's often hostile rhetoric. Their ability to maintain a respectful dialogue highlights the potential for understanding and compromise.
The differences between the cornstalk and soybeans are striking. One stands tall and the other is close to the ground. Their stature does not matter. They live together respecting their differences
The little things matter
Visits to a coffee shop should not change the course of life. In this case, these insignificant encounters may do just that. The individuals use the visits as an opportunity to express their views. They do that in a way that leaves the door open for future talks. Life is better when the smallest of encounters are opportunities to build relationships.
The cornstalk and soybeans will meet the same fate as the combine rolls across the field. A kernel of corn survived last year’s harvest, the harsh winter, and spring planting. A soybean will survive this coming winter and grow among the corn.
Persevere, be your best, live with integrity, and respect others. The little things in life make a difference when you live and speak with these qualities.