Just Mercy.

It's a film so rich with truth. I highly recommend watching it. The film is based on a true story of falsely imprisoned Walter McMillian and the systemic injustices that put him there. The film and subsequent commentary have plenty to say about mass incarceration, racism and corruption in the criminal justice system. These truths should be heard and acted upon. But this film's messages transcend the criminal justice system. Here are some of the broader takeaways for me:

1. "The true measure of our character is how we treat the poor, the disfavored, the accused, the incarcerated, and the condemned." Our communities and our culture do not look favorably on those without means. We must do better. Stand in the gap for those who are hungry, oppressed, poor and disenfranchised. Speak up for those who are without systemic power and who are silenced and too often without a voice that is heard.

2. "Whatever you did, your life is still meaningful." Life is never without value. No matter what. Those who have committed crimes, those who have hurt us, those who hide in the shadows of shame, and all others still have a life of immeasurable worth.

3. "You are the only one who cared enough to fight for me." See people. Stand up for people. Care enough to fight for someone.

4. "We can’t change the world with only ideas in our minds. We need conviction in our hearts." It's not enough to go through the mental exercise of caring; we must DO. Many people can articulate compassionate ideology but actions are where it matters. Take actionable steps to put feet to your compassion.

5. "We all need justice. We all need mercy. And perhaps we all need some measure of unmerited grace." All of us. We all need to contribute to rightness and fairness. We all need forgiveness when we are wrong. We all need people to cut us a break. Let's be those people.

So many lessons to ponder, but these are a start.

-Mindy Muller, CFRE, President/CEO of CDP