kindness

A police officer in south Florida was faced with the prospect of arresting a single mother who was caught shoplifting groceries to feed her family. Vicki Thomas was so moved by the plight of the struggling mom of three children that she decided to buy her $100 worth of groceries. “Arresting her wasn’t going to solve the problem,” said officer Thomas, who also charged her with a misdemeanor. Since the story went public Monday, the public has also stepped up to help Jessica Robles. She was taken to Walmart to buy $500 in groceries donated from Restoration 1 of Miami and was given another $200 from Good Samaritan, Mayra Lapierre. Not only that, the owner of PhoneDoctor.com interviewed Robles on Tuesday for a customer service job and hired her on the spot. “There’s no words,” said Jessica who believes her children will never go hungry again thanks to the kindness of strangers. When we’re determined to solve all human problems with kindness, everything becomes truly beautiful.

Maria Arias and her family had been facing significant challenges, particularly after her husband lost his unemployment benefits due to federal budget cuts. This financial strain made everyday expenses increasingly difficult to manage. On New Year’s Eve, while shopping at a Walmart in Spring Lake, North Carolina, Maria attempted to purchase groceries totaling $73. She planned to use a gift card along with her debit card to cover the remaining balance, hoping to make the best of their limited resources during this tough time. As Maria approached the register, she confidently presented her payment method. However, when she tried to process the transaction, both her debit and credit cards were declined. Overwhelmed by embarrassment and frustration, she braced herself to return the groceries, feeling the weight of her family’s financial struggles pressing down on her. The thought of having to put back the items she needed for her family only added to her humiliation. In that moment of despair, an unexpected act of kindness emerged from a stranger in line behind her. A young woman stepped forward and offered to pay for Maria’s groceries by swiping her own card. With a simple yet powerful statement, “I got this,” she alleviated Maria’s distress and restored a sense of dignity in an otherwise difficult situation. This generous gesture provided immediate relief and also demonstrated the compassion that can exist among strangers. Maria’s experience serves as a poignant reminder of how small acts of kindness can have very powerful impact on those facing hardship. In a world where economic challenges can lead to feelings of isolation and shame, such moments of solidarity can uplift spirits.

A few years ago, Abbie Rutledge was driving to work in Alabama when she noticed blue lights flashing behind her. As she pulled over, anxiety surged through her, but little did she know that this traffic stop would lead to a transformative moment in her life. The Alabama state trooper, J.T. Brown, informed her that she was speeding. In a moment of vulnerability, the then-20-year-old Rutledge explained that she couldn’t afford a ticket and felt trapped in a dead-end job. Instead of issuing a citation, Trooper Brown suggested they talk about her situation. Their conversation lasted about 10 to 15 minutes, during which they discussed various career paths. Rutledge later recounted that Brown’s encouragement led them to conclude she should pursue nursing. Rather than giving her a ticket, he issued a warning with a handwritten note that read: “Promise me you’ll go to scrub or nursing school & slow down, and I won’t give you a ticket.” This simple act of kindness sparked something in Rutledge; as soon as the encounter ended, she began to push herself toward that career. Fast forward two years, and Rutledge has successfully graduated from Bevill State Community College and is now working as a surgical technician at the University of Alabama Hospital. She credits Trooper Brown for his pivotal role in her journey and even invited him to her graduation ceremony to show her gratitude. She still keeps the warning ticket as a reminder of how a brief conversation with a stranger changed her life. “Five minutes talking to anybody, even if you don’t know them, can make the largest impact of their life,” Rutledge stated, emphasizing the significance of their interaction. Trooper Brown expressed his surprise at the profound effect their conversation had on Rutledge’s life, stating he never imagined it would lead to such meaningful change. Reflecting on the experience, he said, “She made my entire career worth it.” This story highlights not only the power of empathy and support but also how one moment can alter the course of someone’s life for the better.

A heartwarming trend is capturing the attention of American social media, where mothers are anonymously leaving gifts for fellow moms within baby product aisles. This movement began when Denaesha Gonzalez, a mother from Nashville, spotted a silver clutch purse priced at $20 in the baby supplies section of Target. Recognizing that a fellow mother likely placed the purse there after sacrificing her own wants for her child’s needs, Gonzalez felt compelled to share this poignant moment. She posted a video that quickly went viral, resonating with many who understood the sacrifices mothers often make. In her viral video, Gonzalez captured a deep breath followed by the caption: “She Deserved the Purse…To the Mother who chose themselves last, you deserve the world tonight and always.” This simple yet powerful message struck a chord with viewers, amassing millions of views and sparking a nationwide initiative. Following Gonzalez’s post, Cecily Bauchmann, a popular mom influencer, was inspired to participate in this movement. She documented her own experience of purchasing a $100 gift card and leaving it hidden in a box of diapers at Target, along with an encouraging note for the next mom to find. Bauchmann dubbed this initiative the #shedeservedthepurse challenge, which has since gained significant traction online. Over 150 videos now feature mothers either hiding gifts or expressing gratitude upon discovering these thoughtful surprises. Many participants share their emotional responses, highlighting the shared experience of putting their children’s needs above their own desires. Comments from viewers reveal a collective understanding of the sacrifices made by mothers, with many expressing how this gesture of kindness has touched their hearts. Katie Beach, a stay-at-home mom inspired by this trend, decided to replicate Bauchmann’s act of kindness by leaving cash gifts in various baby product aisles. She noted that social media has shifted towards showcasing more authentic representations of motherhood, making it easier for moms to connect over shared experiences. Any time you find yourself in a trying situation, think of how to make it better for another, this is kindness by every standard.

A Georgia man, Bryant Collins, demonstrated deep rooted kindness and heroism after he courageously saved a 15-month-old baby girl found crawling alongside a busy highway. Collins, who previously served ten years in prison for manufacturing cocaine, has turned his life around and has been living free and clean for the past five years. On that fateful day, while working as an auto repairman, Collins noticed something unusual out of the corner of his eye. Initially unsure of what it was, he quickly realized it was a baby. “I just stopped and, when I got out, there was a baby…almost in the highway,” he recounted. The child had crawled approximately 300 yards from her home and was perilously close to oncoming traffic. Instinctively, he picked up the child and ensured the welfare of the baby till the child’s parents came. We could only imagine what would have happened …So many unanswerable what ifs..but we’re gratefully glad that Collins was there to save the day. May this inspire us to care for others regardless.

Ex-convict David Potchen entered a small-town bank in Indiana and demanded the teller hand over all the cash. He left with $1,600 and then sat down to wait for the police. Potchen, who struggled to find stable work after his release from prison, sought a return to incarceration, where he felt he could earn a living and avoid sleeping outdoors. When Judge Clarence Murray of Indiana reviewed the case, he proposed an alternative to a lengthy prison sentence. Instead of the 13 years Potchen faced, Murray asked if anyone in the courtroom could offer him employment. A local reporter covered the story, prompting the owner of a nearby trucking company to step forward and offer Potchen a job. Now employed as a full-time welder, Potchen has reportedly become a dedicated and happy worker, illustrating a remarkable turnaround in his life. Like we have always preached, when you have tried several things with no results in sight, Try A Little Kindness.

A homeless man in State College, Pennsylvania, who prefers to remain anonymous, made headlines for returning a wallet containing $350 cash to its rightful owner. Upon meeting the wallet’s owner, he learned that she was a single mother fighting brain cancer. When asked if he ever thought about keeping the money, he firmly replied, “Somebody might not have known, but I would have.” The woman expressed how significant the wallet was to her, stating that “her whole life” was inside it. The man had found the wallet on a park bench while heading to an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. This act of kindness clearly paints in living colours, the fact that even a broken crayon still has the power to make beautiful art pieces. Let’s be intentional about leading a kind and honest life.

When Officer Joe Hutson noticed a man in a wheelchair struggling to mow his lawn, he and his partner, Officer John Khillah, stepped in to assist. Officer Khillah was dispatched to retrieve a mower, weed trimmer, and leaf blower from the Kalamazoo Public Safety station. Together, they worked diligently to help the Michigan resident achieve a well-manicured lawn. Many local residents gathered to witness this act of kindness, and reports indicate that the final result was impeccable. The little efforts we put in, trying to make the lives of others better, is what makes the whole difference. Let’s dare to be different, let’s dare to act kindly.

A compassionate individual from Benue, Jenkis Shande, has committed himself to easing the hardships faced by those suffering from specific medical conditions who cannot afford treatment. He has announced that residents of Benue dealing with Hernia or appendicitis can visit ATUNA HOSPITAL GBOKO, where he has coordinated with the hospital’s management to provide necessary medical procedures at no cost. To ensure accessibility, this initiative will remain open until December 2024. Recognizing the significant financial burden associated with these medical procedures, Shande’s selfless act reflects a deep concern for the well-being of others. His efforts serve as a testament to the innate kindness found within humanity and encourage others to embrace a spirit of generosity and compassion. Life may not be too hard when each of us extends a hand of kindness to another.

Over the weekend, two dedicated officers from the Gainesville Police Department went beyond their usual duties in response to a welfare check, leaving a lasting impact on a 92-year-old woman and her family. Upon arriving at the elderly woman’s apartment, Officers Christen Miller and Corporal Jessica Van discovered that the power had been out, causing all the food in her refrigerator to spoil and leaving her without drinking water. Recognizing the urgent need for assistance, Officer Miller took it upon herself to purchase fresh groceries for the woman, using her own funds. Meanwhile, Corporal Van stayed with the elderly lady to ensure her safety and comfort. The heartwarming act of kindness did not go unnoticed; photos of their efforts garnered over 20,000 likes on Facebook, with many commenters expressing their willingness to contribute funds to help keep the senior’s utilities running. This story highlights not only the compassion of law enforcement but also the community’s willingness to support its vulnerable members. We would be more effective in discharging our duties if we laced them with kindness.