Before I met then-Bishop Tutu, I knew that I would be meeting a great man, but I didn’t know how lucky I was. I would never be the same. Recently, his passing hit me hard with a gut-punch of sadness. This was quickly followed by an impression of his smiling face. He was glowing with kindness and sending wise words into the air with exuberance.

It was 1984. The snowy Rocky Mountain destination and New Years timing added to my anticipation and excitement. Leaving UCLA behind, our little group joined other creative, inquisitive Episcopalian college students to immerse ourselves in whatever this once-in-a-decade national conference, “A Turning of Time,” presented. Tutu was the keynote speaker. He did not disappoint.

After an inspiring opening talk, Tutu led us in Morning Prayer each day. I was drawn to his brilliant presence: he emanated joy, profound strength and benevolence. I was raised to “be kind to all living things,” to love and respect others but I was still learning how the world works—good and bad. Now, via Tutu’s words and example, my universe expanded: a far away land was illuminated and our shared humanity celebrated.

Near the end of the conference, in one of the workshops, some of us created a simple dance to accompany The Lord’s Prayer. We were invited to share it so we taught it to the others and then led the gathering. We all felt the unity, as the group became one in prayer and graceful movement. Tutu enjoyed it and made mention of it in his closing remarks! A kinetic homage to our gathering, it was thrilling to give joy to one who had given me, and others, so much.

As we say goodbye to luminaries such as Nobel Prize laureate Desmond Tutu, trailblazing artists Betty White and Sidney Poitier, or a beloved politician or relative, we mourn them, sad for our great loss. At the same time, we can find awe at the magic they leave within us. Some luminaries truly are beacons that light the way for transformation. But each of us can shine our light. Peace and kindness are gifts we pass on to one another, moment by moment, in words and actions, as we practice grace and empathy in a turning of time that is too short not to do otherwise.

—Hillary Black, Editor

Force For Good’s founder, Jonathan Sprout, has been inspiring others for more than 35 years. His Grammy®-nominated music, high-energy concerts and personal commitment to empower others has fueled an award-studded educational children’s music career that has touched thousands of lives and includes more than 6500 lifetime performances and 12 original albums. His American Heroes series—featuring multi-layered instrumentation and engaging musical biographies of outstanding men and women—teaches kids the differences between celebrities and heroes.

Sprout says his desire to ignite positive change has always been strong. In fact, it was after reading a nationwide poll detailing children’s top 10 heroes, “which included cartoon characters and several professional athletes whose off-field antics were anything but heroic,” Sprout asked the question: “Who are our real heroes and why are we not teaching our children about their importance?” 

Force For Good: Music that Makes a Difference

Singer-songwriter Sprout says his dedication to “shining a light on uplifters” has naturally evolved into Force For Good. “Inspired by the heroes’ exemplary lives, many fighting for social justice and reforms, I found a growing desire to focus more on the actual issues,” Sprout says. While he is “allowing the process to unfold” as he expands his horizons (including his fulfilling a long-desired goal to play piano), in his customary immersive style, Sprout is propelling this new project by expanding his artists’ palette: creating original piano compositions and corresponding films—each telling a story to illuminate a pressing global concern. Perhaps Sprout’s Lullabies for a New Age foretold this transition. In her review of the CD, Lynne Heffley wrote “A synthesized mix of new age music and simple lyrics… (including) soothing instrumentals, ending with a beautiful tune aptly called ‘Peace.’” (Los Angeles Times).

Force For Good’s first album, Passions, will be released February 2020. Beginning every month following, Sprout plans to reveal one of the topical films he’s created for each instrumental composition. He hopes other organizations will find ways to integrate these inspirational pieces into their work and to help bring awareness to many worthy causes, individuals and groups of note. It seems that Sprout’s personal passions are summarized in Force For Good’s mission statement: “Our mission is to inspire and empower people. We create uplifting music and films that encourage personal and global well-being, happiness and respect for the environment. We are optimists who promote peace, safety, equality, and compassion for all.” In a time of increasing tensions and challenges, Jonathan Sprout’s work inspires introspection, action and hope.