Looking at the man in the mirror, is it time to make a change?
I have an old friend in Montgomery, Ala., who has been in law enforcement for almost 70 years. Bobby "Boss Hogg" Timmons has been the leader of the Alabama Sheriff’s Association for a very long time. Now in his 90s, he is a walking encyclopedia of information, and one of his favorite sayings is to study "the man in the mirror."
Each one of us has the occasion to look in a mirror each day. We do the mundane stuff of making sure our appearance is up to snuff. We wash our face, brush our teeth, comb our hair, get dressed and prepare for the world to see us as we leave the house.
But Bobby says there is much more to see in that mirror. We get a chance also to look at our character, and as we clean up our appearance, what if anything is done about cleaning up our character.
Do we see anything in the mirror that makes us a good or better person? Are we honest? Are we kind? Are we helpful to other people? Or are we selfish, uncaring, and make but few contributions to make the world a better place?
Do we want to make sure our appearance is just good enough as we set out to walk down the street and visit the world outside? Are we maybe a little concerned about the person who never even looks in the mirror?
The world is for sure a changing place as I find myself headed down my own little highway of life.
As I peer into that mirror, I often consider things not found in one’s appearance. What is really hidden within a heart or soul, or in a person’s character?
Michael Jackson, the soulful entertainer with magic shoes, had a song about the “Man in the Mirror,” with lyrics written by Glen Ballard and Siedah Garrett.
In this song, Jackson sings:
If you wanna make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself and then make a change
You know I’m thinking one should always be conscious of self-improvement, but often many are satisfied with their status quo. They see their appearance in their reflection, but the emotions, feelings and duties of humanity are sometimes ignored.
In Jackson’s song, he tells the story of the "kids on the street without nothing to eat 'cause they got nowhere to go," and then he sings:
I’m starting with the man in the mirror
I’m asking him to change his ways
If you want to make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself and make a change
How often do we consider those things of one’s humanity that extends beyond the image and appearance in the mirror?
Do we ever consider those others mentioned in Jackson’s song? Those with no home; a willow deeply scarred; somebody’s broken heart; and a washed-out dream; 'cause they got no place to be.
He reminds us:
That’s why I’m starting with the man in the mirror
I’m asking him to change his ways
And no message could’ve been any clearer.
These lyrics seem to suggest that we each should have a responsibility to help remedy problems within our world instead of ignoring them.
Seems like if we only examine our surroundings, and our inward character, we could all maybe help make this world a better place. Jackson’s song seems to confirm that very dream.
I’m thinking that’s maybe what my friend Bobby Timmons had in mind when he spoke of that "Man in the Mirror" and his character.
Perhaps the next time that person is looking back at you at the morning sink, you should think more about what’s inside of that reflection instead of merely that outward picture.
There are many other important things to consider inwardly than that face in the mirror.
Maybe some improvements in the ways we perceive others. Perhaps we should consider those human qualities like kindness, a helpful and understanding attitude, honesty, and are we making an effort to improve not only ourselves but actually helping others to make themselves better.
I wonder what the world could look like if we all tried a little harder to improve ourselves and others?
Want to overcome the darkness in the world?
Look in the mirror and make a change.
Pete Waters is a Sharpsburg resident who writes for The Herald-Mail.
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Looking at the man in the mirror, is it time to make a change?
