I find it absolutely amazing how many times I pass by a person in the streets that may actually need my help. i would like to strive to become my brother's keeper. How do you all feel about this? Do you think we can save the world from darkness with acts of kindness?
Yes yes yes! I do my part every day! I am an altruistic person by nature, so this kind of thinking is exactly, well, me. I volunteer my weekends at a donation center that helps the needy. A family called and said they didn't have heat or a way to stay warm. All we had were comforters. There just isn't enough to help everyone. It truly is sad. After meeting them, and their small children, I went to the store - purchased 2 radiator heaters and some food - and brought it back to them. "Those sweet little kids won't be cold OR hungry tonight," was my line of thinking.
I am not saying this for personal glory - I don't want recognition - I just wanted to give an example.
The disparity between the rich and poor is drastic in the US. I am not wealthy. I am barely middle class. Hell, I may not even be middle class. But, I can't stand to see suffering. I can't give as much as I would like to, but I do what I can. My father-in-law was a wise man. Not long before his death he told my husband, "You give until it hurts, and then you give some more." He was talking about parenting. I use that advice for much more than that.
There is an elderly man that I see every morning. He walks, hunched over and stopping to take a lot of breaks, to the Burger King in the seedy part of town everyday. I know of him as being lonely. That is all. I wonder what his story is every time I see him. Yet, I never have the "time" to stop and talk with him. I think the next time I see him I will stop, buy us some coffee, and talk to him.
I don't know though. Does random acts of kindness of a few really negate the evil of many????
Natasha, I really liked what you said about wanting to set an example for others. I think that goes a long way. Sometimes, we need to someone else doing it first! Good on you! Thanks.
Natasha, Your act of kindness and that of Ryan and all others is in direct obedience to God's order thereby being made perfect by his design. He also said, give honor where honor is due and as far as I am concerned what you have done and what you are doing deserves great honor. Remember that what you sow you will reap, but have you ever thought of this,,,, if you sow one kernel of corn you will Not get a stalk with two ears of corn with only one kernel of corn in return. No ,,, you receive one to two ears of corn with each ear FULL of kernels of corn. not one for one, and as far as I know there will ALWAYS be increase when you sow, whether GOOD to GOOD or BAD TO BAD. Also, when we say GOD bless you to someone , we might consider that he already has by putting us there to do the work that he has commanded, by doing the blessing as you already have in his name. Sometimes it cost us to obey but the act of sacrifice is the evidence of love. Just be careful and don't be alone to stop and talk to this gentleman. You must be prudent to.. Your friend , Ted
Wonderful reply Ted. Doing God's work is definitely a way to look at it and I agree totally.
I'm not sure if we can save the world, but there's no harm in doing your best to help those around you. Sometimes just a kind word is enough to encourage someone. Use this year to make a change in your life and someone else's.
I like what you said about kind words. We have gotten to the point where if one of our friends said they might lose their job, we just might say you might be right. Whatever happened to the days of encouragement and support. Thanks for your reply. Notice my kind words. :)
I believe change begins from Us. One act of kindness, one help which puts smile on somebody's face is always great.
Its kind of my logic, dat it gets added up into ur GOOD DEEDS column of life. :)
Change starts with us. I would like to be more specific and say change starts with one and then goes to us. But who will be the one? I know I am a follower and not a leader. How about you? Love the reply by the way. Thanks so much.
Thank you guys so much for replying to this talk. All of you made very valid points. A kindness can go a long way and has become increasingly over rated. I wonder why. Are values changing or are we just getting angrier? :)
Ryan, I believe it is both. Human beings tend to be greedy, lustful, angry. . . . Enough is never enough. We always want more. There was a time (way before I was even thought of, much less conceived), where you always helped your neighbor. If someone's house burned to the ground a group of people would get together and everyone would chip in and build a new house. Times have changed, values have changed. Not many people really care about their neighbors anymore.
I feel leader is within yourself...within everyone. its just d extent of will to do it dat makes the difference Ryan. :)
The world is so vast yet if each one among us will realize that to ever change the world, the needed change should start from within. We adults should serve as role models to our young generations. Every single act of kindness should be a mirror of what's inside of us---LOVE begets LOVE. Ciao...
