No telling who the black man with the hole in his throat really is. My husband only knows that when he can’t start his car today after buying gas, the stranger approaches him and offers a helping hand.
He lifts the hood and takes a look, fiddles around and voila! The jeep is resurrected. My husband opens his wallet and offers a $20 bill to the man – the last of the cash he has on hand after purchasing a tank of gas.
“Much obliged,” the stranger says. “I’ve only got half of my rent together for this month, and this will help me pay the rest.”
Win – Win.
My daughter Abi hits Chili’s Bar & Grill for an early dinner with some girlfriends. They order the 2 for $20 meal - appetizer and two entrees included - to split among them.
They see only two people working the floor: a waitress, and what appears to be a manager moseying about, refilling drinks, and checking on customers. He frequently ambles by the girls’ table with a pitcher of tea to be sure their glasses stay filled.
During their meal, Abi receives a disturbing phone call, one which brings tears to her eyes. Since she’s already tired from lack of sleep the previous night, the call intensifies matters and produces outright weeping.
Within minutes their waitress returns, kneels by the table, and points to the young manager. “Michael over there saw you crying and told me to give you this.” She hands Abi a $20 bill.
“He says he can’t bear to see a pretty girl cry, and the meal is on him. All you need to pay for are your teas.” Then the waitress gives her extra napkins to dry her eyes, which leads to even more crying – this time tears of joy and gratitude over the kindness of strangers.
When have you witnessed the kindness of strangers?
Or been that kind stranger yourself?
A simple act of kindness toward another can so make a person's day and create a lasting, meaningful memory for both the giver and receiver. We should never ignore an opportunity to extend kindness to a stranger; it is showing love to our neighbor.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this thoughtful, beautifully written post, Debra!
Blessings!
Martha, acts of kindness do create lasting memories don’t they? And it makes our lives all the richer just to recall and recount these. Count your blessings, name them one by one...
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post... Acts of kindness leaves an impression of true beauty... friendship or even angels that stopped by just to say "I am here for you"
ReplyDeleteI am lucky to have witness the kindness of others... and it is those acts that have and keep humbling me as a human being.
Savira, I like “… or angels stopping by to say ‘I am here for you.’" Because that’s exactly how it feels: like having a visit from an angel in disguise. And random acts of kindness are such gentle humblings, helping us realize our need for others.
ReplyDeleteWe need each other as the flower needs the rain and sun to bloom and prosper. Angels are at work even when we are unaware. It is in our unawareness that God fills the gaps and tells us how precious we are, how much we can do and accomplish on His behalf. We must be ready and willing.
ReplyDeleteMartha, yes we do girl! We need each other like the flower needs the rain to grow. That’s why I’m so glad you’re my friend. And angel from Kennesaw Georgia.
ReplyDeleteLast week my car wouldn't start. I've had an ongoing problem with the starter on this car in the year that I've owned it.
ReplyDeleteThis time a stranger was sitting on my neighbor's stoop across the street. He moseyed over when he saw the car wouldn't start.
He looked under the hood, as many more "polished" gentlemen before him have done. Unlike them, he identified the problem. He drove his vehicle to the auto parts store to find the right part to fix it. He returned and fixed my car.
While he was working under the hood I tried to strike up a conversation. "Are you a family man?" I asked. "Do you have kids?"
"My son's in jail," he responded, "For murder."
"Oh..."
"But, the other one's out ..."
It was awkward. I felt thankful and uncomfortable. I haven't had a problem with my car starting since he fixed it.
Linda, what a story! That strange guy came over and worked on your car because you’re so cute :) He just couldn’t resist a gorgeous damsel in distress, now could he? And to think that this stranger would drive all the way to the auto parts store for a new part. Amazing, the kindness he showed you that day.
ReplyDeleteHow sad that his son is in prison for murder. I guess it was an awkward moment for you. But you got your car fixed – yeah!
I remember once I was traveling alone by bus from one state to another at night. I was scared and not comfortable being the only female passenger that night. I was uneasy with the bus driver and his assistant but the end of it they were the one who made sure I felt safe and bought me my dinner. I can never forget that act of kindness. Yes kindness can make ones day and also make us realize that the world still had goodness and sometimes kindness comes as a surprise and from the least unexpected people. Loved reading post as always Debra
ReplyDeleteEven though sometimes the violence that seems to be overrunning this world, forcing it's ways into our schools, small towns and the world at large, it's these random acts by strangers of kindness and compassion that always refreshes my view towards humanity.
ReplyDeletePeople have never ceased to surprise me. I've had several experiences...from strangers offering to help me when I broke down on the side of the road, my infant daughter crying in my arms, in a rainstorm...to a near stranger offering to lend me his car until my car was fixed. To getting up ready to pay after having a rare meal at a restaurant with our family and finding out that a total stranger decided to foot the bill. Was it spontaniety or inner intuition of knowing that our family really couldn't fit that meal into our budget, but we were squeezing it in anyways so our kids would have a sense of security and nostalgia of the olds times when meals like this were more frequent? I'll never know.
I only hope that in my life I can bring a ray of hope to others through acts of kindness. For I surely have been the recipient of many.
A great post :)
It amazing how a simple act of kindness can have such a lasting impact. Imagine this world if everyone decided to pay it forward; a tidal wave of humanity would sweep across the globe and leave everyone in a much better position. We all owe it to others to look out for the less fortunate and help out in any way possible. Thanks for sharing!! Blessings :)
ReplyDeleteRimly – Yes, kindness often does show up in the most unlikely places. Thank you for sharing your bus story, and the unexpected kindheartedness of the strangers you met. From reading your stories I can tell you’ve led a somewhat adventurous life, though fearful at times :( But these stories are what make you an interesting soul. Thank you again for sharing.
ReplyDeleteJessica – After reading your first paragraph I had a thought: wonder what the world would look like if the news media only reported heartwarming stories of kind acts instead of violence and evil. If you turned on the TV or picked up a newspaper and read, “Rainstorm doesn’t stop stranger from helping young woman stranded by roadside with crying baby in arms…Total stranger foots bill for family… (Was it intuition or the leading of the Spirit?)” Just imagine. Thank you for sharing these memories Jess! I love a good heartwarming story. Makes my day :)
ReplyDeleteDavid – Imagine a world where everyone paid it forward indeed. What kind of headlines we’d see...
ReplyDeleteIt would be a tidal wave of blessing. The movie Pay it Forward had a deep impact on me. That young hero touched my heart and made me want to be more like him. An affecting scene was in the hospital when the girl is struggling to breathe and the gangsta- guy goes to the rescue. What if we all stood up this boldly for those in need? Why don’t we?
I have often thought how wonderful it would be if we turned on the TV to see only positive, feel-good news stories! I have also realized that we don't have to wait for someone else to be the good that we want to see...we can be that goodness and seek out that goodness ourselves -- because it is there, in everything and everyone. Sometimes, a simple, genuine smile offered to a stranger can be the greatest gift; sometimes just being courteous can change a person's whole day.
ReplyDeleteThe giving and receiving of these simple gifts, every day, help make my life richer and fuller.
Thank you for sharing this lovely, heartwarming post. ❤
Becky – Be the change you want to see in the world. That’s my motto.
ReplyDeleteOnce there was a time when I complained. I didn’t like this group… they’re got it all wrong… I’ll just quit. Then one day this line penetrated my soul, became a part of me. And I set out to BE the change I wanted to see.
Some time ago I met Maya Angelou. Her words have made such a difference in my life. She asked, how hard is it to smile at a stranger in the grocery store. A simple smile can change the course of someone’s day.
Deborah, I hearted your stories – and I do have a kind Angel story – at first I didn't think so – but I do. And it makes me smile. I try to help when I can – no big deal – and when it does happen back – it's awesome. In the economy of God – in the kingdom of heaven – that's how it'll work – every need met – at every time – by someone else – without asking – because love is the rule of the day. Thank you for this Deborah – and God bless and keep you and each and every one of yours.
ReplyDeleteI have just written about kindness in my article -Magnificent Monday-Rocks" in which I relate experiences building rock wall elephant protection in Namibia. I am amazed at the number of wonderful, goodhearted people who pay big money to go there, spend their school holidays in the desert helping local communities. The young students I admire because that spirit of giving will stay with them for life.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this story Debra, reminds us all that it doesn't take much to show another a wee bit of help or compassion.
Craig – You don’t have just one kind angel story but a host of angel stories! Yours are full of pathos and humor, sadness and joy, heartache and healing. There’s new manna from heaven everyday at your place.
ReplyDeleteWe are put here to practice kingdom living now. That’s why the stories help us grow and learn how to live and bear fruit. We feed on each other’s life stories and sprout wings ourselves. But mostly the wings are invisible.
Jim – And what a magnificent story of sacrifice and love! For why else would anyone spend vacation time building a wall for elephant protection? Your stories help raise awareness of our need to bless all God’s creatures. I’m always amazed by your traveling adventures, and wonder how I’d fare in some of the rugged places you pass through. Between your words and photos, I catch a good glimpse of nature in parts of the world I’d never see otherwise. And now I see a bling wall!
ReplyDeleteI am so overwhelmed reading this post and all the comments that nothing comes to mind to share...I know I have been the recipient of many kindnesses over the years, and have tried to give in return. Moment by moment, life is a string of chance encounters. How those encounters turn out affect us the rest of our days...
ReplyDeleteThanks for such a touching post Debra. You amaze me.
~cath xo
Hi Debra:
ReplyDeleteHave you seen the Movie Grand Canyon, directed by Lawrence Kasdan?
Your post here reminds me of that movie. I tell people that if they want to know ANYTHING at ALL about who I am, to watch Grand Canyon.
The movie REALLY starts when Kevin Kline's character has his car break down in a rough L.A. neighborhood. Danny Glover plays a tow truck driver that comes out to give Kline a tow. Arriving at JUST the right time he saves Kline from certain disaster. Saving people is a running theme through this entire movie as is being at the right place at just the right time.
The other running theme (and why I tell people to watch the movie to know who I am) is that everything happens for a reason.
If you and your readers are interested, check out my blog entries about the movie:
http://cjpwisdomandlife.com/?s=grand+canyon
--
Chris
I guess world is round, so the good you do, comes back to you...Lovely post!
ReplyDeleteCath – I know you’re overwhelmed just trying to figure out how to be a video star :) And see, that in and of itself is a major mountain of effort. But one thing is for sure: you are a natural born comedienne. I’m still reeling from the videos!
ReplyDeleteWhat great stories! It is so true that everyone is fighting a battle of some kind. No one's life is truly easy and a little kindness from a stranger can mean the world. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Chris – No, I haven’t seen Grand Canyon, but since you recommend it, I most certainly will check it out. And after reading your review, I’m REALLY anticipating a great movie (with worthwhile theme).
ReplyDelete“A chance meeting between two people can have implications for those two people for the rest of their lives.” Can’t it though?
Who are you most like in the movie Chris? Any characters you truly identify with?
Saru – That’s right, what goes around comes around, as the proverbial saying goes.
ReplyDeleteOr, “you reap what you sow. The good you do comes back to you – always!
Rachel – I love the stories, not only mine :) – of course! – But also what the readers have shared of their own experiences with random acts of kindness.
ReplyDeleteThank you for swinging by and leaving these encouraging words. Check you later.
Hi Debra:
ReplyDeleteDon't think any one character stands out as being similar to me. The themes are what most resonated.
Funny!
I was NOWHERE near the place I'm in now when the movie came out in 1991, but EVEN back then I noticed the similarities to me. The fact that even then I understood that everything happens for a reason. That's what I took away from the movie.
It didn't register on a conscious level but now it CERTAINLY does, that we are ALL connected and what we do for one of us will have unknown ramifications for EVERYONE else going forward. That's what I take away from the movie now each time I watch it.
For me, Grand Canyon is all about the connectedness of EVERYTHING and EVERYONE.
--
Chris
I just lost my comment :P
ReplyDeleteI'm always glad to read or hear or feel God's presence through the kindness and generosity of people, most esp. by strangers---the least expected people to help.
When I missed my flight home from Malaysia, I was taken in by my cousin's friend. We didn't know each other and yet she allowed me to use the comforts of her home for two nights. She left me there alone with great trust.
Thank you for sharing your experiences and Abi's... God always sends us angels to watch over us and guide us. They do make life better and God's love is magnified in the world in simplicity and in the ordinary experiences we have.
Chris – Often a movie like this helps shape our thinking, even our mode of behavior.
ReplyDeleteI believe everything happens for a reason too – both good and bad things serve a purpose in our lives.
So I have Grand Canyon down on my must-see agenda. And I’ll get back with you when I see it. I love Danny Glover anyway, so lookout Redbox!
Melissa - I’m glad you didn’t give up after losing your comment :)
ReplyDeleteYour cousin sounds like an angel to entrust her home to a stranger. You’ll never forget her hospitality, I’m sure; the welcoming kindness she displayed when you missed your flight to Malaysia will always remain with you.
Another wonderful story of kindness and generosity!
I have many stories of kindness in my life, I can't imagine a life without it. At one point I left an abusive husband , the kids and I were quite homeless and hungry. through a system of protective women we traveled from home to home of strangers all welcoming us, supportive and protective. Through them i was able to get to my sister whoa few hundred lived miles away, and start a new life. Something I will never forget.
ReplyDeleteI am a firm believer in doing for others when you can. Like I tell my son, you never know when the person you are helping could be an angel in disguise. Kindness spreads just as quickly as hate does only difference is kindness is a win-win.
ReplyDeleteJan – You have some story here. Have you written about that time in your life? Chronicled your abuse and subsequent homelessness and hunger, and the system of protection you found in the compassionate women? Because if you haven’t, you should. You never know who will find solace in your personal story.
ReplyDeleteJenni – Exactly: Kindness spreads just as quickly as hate; only difference is, kindness is a win-win. And your son is lucky to have a mom like you, one who takes the time to instill the power of goodwill toward others.
ReplyDeleteAt times in the middle of no where someone comes along and touches you in a way you never thought would be possible...and you start to believe that miracles do happen.I was once travelling on a long journey by train,my daughter was very small..due to some reason the train got delayed,I had no hot water to make her feed,a complete stranger came and got a bottle of minreral water,went to the pantry car,got it heated and thus I could make her feed..I will always be grateful to that stranger who came as an angel in disguise.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAlpana – Wow! That stranger who went the distance for mineral water, and warmed it for your baby - what a saint…or was that an angel? Your amazing story reminds me of the lyrics to a song.
ReplyDeleteThey wear so many faces
Show up in the strangest places
Grace us with their mercy
In our time of need
From “Angels Among Us”
Remarkable story!
Debra, the juncture in which my life is right now, I have ample scope to be kind to strangers and make a difference. And I do too but its never enough. I night's dinner, or a bottle of lemonade can never make the difference they need in life. All the same I do my part and hope that someday I can change an entire life for good and not just a day/night. Beautiful post as always!
ReplyDeleteDebra, reading this post gave me goosebumps! It reminded me of something nana used to say and it was that generosity always comes back around. Isn't it incredible how when we're generous we can be sure that at a time when we need help, the universe will provide us with just that? The Significant Other grew up in a home where random acts of generosity and kindness were not practiced and when we started going out, he was blown away by the smallest gesture of niceness from my kids or me. It was like surreal to him that one could be generous. Ironically, it was equally surreal to us that he wouldn't act in the same fashion. After nine years of being together, I am happy to report that I've shown him the importance of being this way. As a result, he now pays it forward. And that makes me very happy. I want to think that if he ever needs someone to be kind or generous to him, he'll be able to count on just that. Loved this post, Debra!
ReplyDeleteThe most magical part is if the person randomly acted upon in kindness doesn't know it was you!
ReplyDeleteThere are still some truly beautiful souls amongst us! We are all 'each a part of the other'.
ReplyDeleteBlessings Debra,
Jane x
Kriti – “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love." ~ Mother Teresa
ReplyDeleteOffering someone a night’s dinner or a bottle of lemonade may be a great gesture of kindness to someone!
Bella – Your nana was spot on. Generosity comes right back at ’cha. That’s a spiritual law: give and it shall be given.
ReplyDeleteYour Significant Other is one fortunate soul to have you and your kids in his life. Where would he be without you to show him how it’s done? Never having known how to freely give, he must’ve thought he’d died and gone to heaven when he met up with you!
Paying it forward is a movement we could all practice. And what a world of difference we’d see – amen?
@ Cathy – Now there’s a good point! I’ve thought about that too. Anonymous giving might bring the greatest reward of all. I recall a cousin of mine having emotional problems at a school she was attending. Her single mom couldn’t afford to transfer her to the small private school she’d have desired. But some unidentified person paid her tuition. Now that was magical!
ReplyDeleteLong after graduation, they still don’t know who the benefactor was.
@ Jane – Indeed there are still some beautiful souls among us. I see them everywhere, don’t you? I’ve never felt so connected as I do now, having met up with friends from all over the world. Sometimes it really does seem to be a small, small world!
It's amazing, isn't it Debra; how a simple act of kindness, a reaching out to others in the spirit of Christ's love can have such a powerful impact...
ReplyDeleteIf we divert our attention from the narrow, negative focus the media paints of the world around us for a moment, and look around at the signs of God's love present in each other, our perspectives and outlooks can be forever altered.
Have a Blessed Day Debra!
Phil - And what an impact a simple act of kindness can make! I’ve seen the spirit of Christ in many a soul, and these I will never forget as long as I live. There was the lady who brought me a ‘sunshine basket’ long ago when I had scarlet fever as a child. I still remember feeling loved when I opened it to find a bottle of bubbles, crayons, candy, fruit… the smallest deeds of compassion can work miracles!
ReplyDeleteOn the negative focus of the media… I admit to watching the news to stay informed of current events. But sometimes it just gets to me, the myriad atrocities, political mudslinging, injustices… that’s when I’d like to bury my head in the sand and just be wise in what is good and simple concerning evil.
You are lovely. Pure lovely. SoOo glad you are in my life, dear Debra.:)
ReplyDeleteBrynne – Can’t think of a thing that could have made my day any better :) Oh, and whenever I feel the need for a little poetic and aesthetic inspiration, all I need do is swing over to Presence of Magic for my fix. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post. We should all be so mindful of those around us, yet seldom are. My in-laws are in their mid-80s. It is difficult for them to get around although they still love to go out to dinner. My father-in-law always wears a WWII baseball cap. He loves it! I can't begin to tell you how many people have gone to their table and thanked my father-in-law for fighting for our country. It makes him proud of course. Quite often they get to the cash register to find some kind person has paid for their meal.
ReplyDeleteMari, this is the way it’s supposed to be: strangers coming up to your father-in-law and saying thank you for protecting our country. We should all be so thoughtful as to thank our veterans and service men and women, police officers, fire fighters, and all those who work to keep us safe. Your sharing has inspired me to be more mindful of this. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteLove the post . . . love the posters. Simply beautful! I have been the recipient of so many kindnesses, more than I can number. And it has been my privilege to engage in many random acts of kindness as well . . . so good for the soul. I think we most reflect our Saviour when we are kind to one another, be it family, friend or stranger.
ReplyDeleteAndrea Dawn, thank you! It is good for the soul to remember those who’ve shown us kindness. I too have been recipient of so many...
ReplyDeleteWe are facing hurricane Irene right now as I type. Being on the east coast in NC we are hunkering down and waiting for the hit this evening. Say a prayer for us. Having said that, I remember a few years ago when hurricane Fran hit, and we were out of power for close to a week. A friend who’d had her electricity restored showed up with a thermos of coffee. And why would I suddenly remember this? :)
Years ago, one afternoon, during an absolute torrential downpour, I stopped to get groceries. I was fortunate that I had one of those really big umbrellas on hand - the kind that more than protect two people from the rain. I hurried towards the grocery store and an elderly lady was standing there with her buggy full of groceries, but no umbrella. I stopped, closed my umbrella and waited to see if her husband might be pulling the car around, but this wasn't the case. So, I opened my umbrella back up and smiled at her, saying, "Let me walk you to your car and help." It took a bit of gentle nudging for her to accept my offer, but finally we got to her car, unloaded her groceries and I walked her to the driver's side and shielded her with my huge umbrella as she got into her car. We both had wet feet, but her lovely silver hair was dry, and her elegant pantsuit was still pristine. She reached up and patted my cheek and said, "Your Mother raised you beautifully. If I had had a daughter, I like to think she'd have been as lovely and gracious as you have been today."
ReplyDeleteI don't relate this story to blow my own horn; I am sharing it because it is a memory that still makes me smile. Nothing came to me as a result that I can quantify in a concrete manner. What it did do was make me feel good inside, and continues to do so, all these years later. Sometimes we get to be that Angel Unaware visitation and it is its own reward. :)
Dawn – Well, I thought I’d cry reading this story. Did get teary-eyed when I thought about how it really is more blessed to give. It’s when WE are the givers that we feel most joyous. And I could sense your enjoyment in helping the elderly lady, knowing that your good deed kept her hair in place. (You know how those senior gals love to keep their hair looking perfect :) I think you’re so right: being the Angel Unaware is reward enough. But I’ll still bet you’ve had some good karma ever since! That’s just how it works out – yes?
ReplyDeleteDebra, yes! I believe that to be true about good karma. It still makes me smile when I recall that memory. This is why I adore visiting your world - I always come away smiling. Loving you, sweetheart! <3
ReplyDeleteAnd I love stories like yours, uplifting ones that make you smile!
ReplyDeleteHave a great week Dawn!
So many heartwarming stories , soothing to know there is a lot of goodness out there in the world.
ReplyDeleteBeing Me - yes, I love all the stories shared by my readers! Thanks for swinging by. Hope you're doing well.
ReplyDeleteKindness is one of those things that pays forward in spades and then some. I am always amazed when I see disgruntled travelers or short-tempered people take out what is bothering them on others who had nothing to do with the problem they are taking the heat for... I do lose my temper now and again, but it doesn't wear well on me and when I do I am more irritated with myself after.. I make it a point to say thank you and please and oh do you look good, etc., everyone blooms from random kindness...
ReplyDeleteBrenda, yes it does! Disgruntled travelers… you mean those on the freeway, or just folks in general? Because I’ve seen a few lately who should go back to bed and pull the sheets over their head and hide from the world!
ReplyDeleteI make it a point to smile at people, though, because you never know what they’re facing in life, and a smile is contagious too.
Been thinking of you a lot recently and hope you’re holding up… Check you later. XOX
Brenda this is so beautiful and so encouraging! I too am a firm believer in trying to treat others with kindness! Lovely to meet you!
ReplyDelete