In an Easter message in a Presbyterian church in Calgary, Alberta, Naheed Nenshi, a Mayor of Muslim faith who had been invited to share in the service, enjoined the congregation to never mistake compassion for weakness.

He targeted those who use the word “snowflake” to insult people who speak out for kindness.

“It’s become almost fashionable in this cold, hard world that we find ourselves in to denigrate those of us who speak out for compassion, kindness, mercy and love. Sometimes they say those of us who speak up for these things are somehow weak. Sometimes they call us fragile snowflakes. 

You know what? I run the snow removal system here in Calgary. And one thing that I know for sure is that enough fragile snowflakes put together is the most powerful force in the world.” 

I report this in April - sick of winter, tired of the snow. Having said that, we need more snowflakes each day of the year. The potential is mind-blowing, world-changing.