There is so much hate in the world. News reports and social media seem to thrive on it. There are stories and posts filled with hateful language, false stereotypes and vulgar name calling. Hate groups keep firing up their members by inciting violent actions and demonstrations. It seems only a matter of time until people are going to get badly hurt. In the midst of all of this unrest, I have found that love still flourishes.
It has been said that kindness is love dressed in coveralls and work boots. Acts of kindness are certainly love put into action. Many of my friends on Face Book search for and then share positive, heartwarming true stories the media ignores. One video was a candid camera type set up titled, “What will a homeless person do with $100?” They found a homeless man and an actor gave him $100. It brought tears to his eyes and he kept saying, “Are you sure?” When the actor left, the hidden camera followed the homeless man to see what he would do. With his large travel bag strapped around his neck, he immediately headed to a liquor store across the street. The camera then caught him coming out of the store with his bag that was obvious much heavier than when he went in. They continued to follow him as he looked for all of his homeless friends giving each of them snacks and food items from his bag. After he had shared his good fortune with four or five people, the actor appeared again and told him they had watched to see what he would do with the money and they were stunned by his generosity. After giving him a big hug, he also gave him another $100 for himself. If they had an agenda, that camera crew could have shut off the camera when he came out of the liquor store. They would have strengthened the stereotype of homeless people wanting money for alcohol or drugs, but they would have missed those beautiful acts of kindness. Needy people long to be able to help others in need. Jesus said the widow who put her last two cents in the collection box had given more than any of the rich people who made a big deal of their donations. She gave all that she had to help others.
There is another story of a woman who ran out of gas at night on her way home. A homeless man approached her car. He told her to roll up her windows and lock her doors and he would be back in a few minutes. He brought back a can of gasoline purchased with his last remaining cash and sent her safely on her way home. Later, she and her husband searched for him to thank him and repay him. They took time to get to know him and the story of how he became homeless. They started a Go Fund Me account for him using his story and his act of kindness. He now has a small home, a pickup truck and a small annual income from the donations to that account. One act of kindness can sometimes set off a chain reaction of kindness that is amazing.
Kindness doesn’t always involve money. As a person with obvious physical limitations, I can tell you that just the offer to help is an act of kindness. If I can use their help I do, but even if I don’t need help at that moment, I make sure they know how much I appreciate them going out of their way to offer help to a stranger. I hope I have encouraged them to continue reaching out to others. Kindness has many benefits and rewards for all of those involved.
I want to leave you with a favorite post my friends love to share. “You can be anything, so be kind.”