Some of you may be aware of Ernest Thompson Seton, an author who was one of Scouting's founding fathers in America. Prior to the Scouting movement, Seton had suffered vandalism of his Connecticut home by local youth. In response, he invited the youth to his estate for the weekend and started what would become a youth organization known as the Woodcraft Indians. Intrigued by the program, Baden-Powell befriended Seton and they shared ideas on youth organizations. After Baden-Powell started the Scouting movement in England, Seton became part of the committee that started the Boy Scouts of America in 1910. Of his writings as an author, Seton wrote the first Boy Scouts of America Official Handbook.
Seton was a prolific writer, publishing 77 books. In his 1930 publication, The Book of Woodcraft, Seton wrote:
For a man who is lost, the three greatest dangers in order of importance, are Fear, Cold, and Hunger. He may endure extreme hunger for a week, and extreme cold for a day, but extreme fear may undo him an hour. There is no way of guarding against this greatest danger except by assuring him that he is fortified against the other two.
I have read this passage two ways. First off, the way to keep those dangers at bay is to Be Prepared; have what you need so you do not have to worry, so you do not fear. Then I read it another way when I consider Seton's words "by assuring him that he is fortified…" and I think he means the power of suggestion.
Throughout life we face instances where we have self-doubt, where we just don't know if we are going to make it. The medicine of kind words and assurances from friends and family can positively affect our demeanor and give us the strength and resolve to carry on. I ask you to be that light for others, erasing their fears by assuring them that they will be all right. Let your charity give the others what they need to persevere. Seemingly little actions can have big impacts, making all the difference in the lives of others.
A Scout is Kind.
A Scout is Helpful.
A Scout is Friendly.