“Courage to be Kind” was written a few years ago in response to the nine racially motivated murders that took place in Charleston, SC at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church. My co-writer Steve Seskin and I were incredibly moved by the words of the victims’ family members immediately following the seemingly unforgivable acts. The forgiveness and compassion they chose to give to the very person who stole their loved ones from them was highly controversial, but intensely powerful. 

I think the most difficult choice we can make while looking into the eyes of hate, adversity and divisiveness is to show kindness and compassion. Not one among us is perfect, but I think kindness and mindfulness are practices we need to be striving for. It will leave room to realize that we have so much more in common than what divides us. 

Love must always win.

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." - Martin Luther King, Jr.

~ Crystal Bowersox

Produced by Billy Harvey Recorded by Joe Costa Mixed by Dave Way Mastered by Dave McNair Single Art: Photo by Darin Back, Artwork by Crystal Bowersox

“Courage to Be Kind” CREDS!!

Crystal Bowersox - Lead Vocals, Background Vocals Jarrod “JJ” Johnson - Drums and Percussion John Ginty - B3, Wurlitzer Piano Doug Lancio - Electric Guitars Chris Donahue - Bass Guitar Billy Harvey - Acoustic Guitar, Background Vocals, Percussion

Choir: Kristen Englenz Kelly Hoppenjanz Sarah Jane Nelson Gina Fray Bacon Alice Wallace Molly Payne Dottie Rager Julie Delgado Hannah Meyers Amyliza DeJesus Amanda Broadway Lindsay Graves