kindness

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.

Residents of Adikpo in Kwande Local Government were left astonished when a young entrepreneur showcased extraordinary empathy. The Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) announced job openings and scheduled a Computer-Based Test (CBT) as part of a new testing initiative. Recognizing that many of his fellow community members were not well-versed in computer skills at the time, Mr. Ityohon Barnabas, the Director of Divine World ICT Centre in Adikpo, took it upon himself to offer a free crash course for all local residents. His initiative aimed to prepare them for the upcoming SUBEB CBT. In response to his generous offer, numerous applicants expressed their heartfelt gratitude, stating that Mr. Barnabas’s support had been instrumental in helping them navigate the interview process successfully. While this act of kindness may not have been the most financially prudent move for an entrepreneur, it stands as a significant victory for compassion and serves as an inspiring reminder for all of us to leverage our resources and positions to uplift others. In the spirit of kindness and togetherness, everyone achieves more.

In an inspiring tale of compassion and community, the life of 20-year-old Shylow Murphy underwent a remarkable transformation in just five days, thanks to the kindness of strangers. Once a homeless musician relying on tips while busking on a street corner in Norwich, England, Murphy’s circumstances changed dramatically when he received unexpected support from a caring individual. Abbi Claxton, a web analyst, couldn’t ignore Murphy as she passed by him performing in worn-out jogging pants. Instead of simply walking on, she chose to engage with him. After offering him a new pair of pants and some food, Claxton struck up a conversation that would change both their lives. Murphy shared his story of how he had fallen into homelessness, and Claxton recognized the potential for change. She described her motivation to help him as stemming from the realization that he could easily be “anyone’s son or brother or friend,” emphasizing the shared humanity that connects us all. Determined to assist Murphy in rebuilding his life, Claxton launched a Facebook campaign that quickly gained traction, raising $1,200. This funding secured him a place to live and also paved the way for a job interview and even included a salon makeover where he received donated business attire. The whirlwind of support culminated in Murphy landing a job as a street fundraiser, allowing him to channel his experiences into helping others rather than seeking handouts for himself. Reflecting on his newfound situation, Murphy expressed immense gratitude: “I’m just so happy now. I’ve broken out of my shell again. I’m out here again and can be myself.” He no longer carries the heavy burden of homelessness—literally and figuratively—feeling liberated from the struggles that once defined his existence.

What would you do if you encountered a mother and her two children sitting in a police station, lacking both a home and hope? You could follow the example of Deputy Brian Bussell, who took it upon himself to cover their hotel expenses and buy them clothes. On a September morning, Deputy Bussell, a 25-year veteran of the Butler County Sheriff’s Office, noticed the family dozing in the chairs of the station. “I knew our visitation was at 9 AM and assumed they were here to visit someone in jail,” he recounted. However, when he returned later and saw the children asleep while their mother remained awake, he approached her to offer help. The mother explained that they had recently been evicted and were waiting for housing assistance. After discovering that local shelters were full, Deputy Bussell acted quickly. He used his own funds to book a ten-day hotel stay in Oxford, Ohio, and took the family shopping at Walmart for clothes. When the boys requested shoes, he enthusiastically agreed. “He went to Walmart after they finished shopping and paid for everything,” said Sheriff Richard K. Jones in a Facebook post. “This is a true act of kindness. He didn’t mention his good deed at work; we only found out when the lady shared a picture with him on Facebook. It was shared so widely that I received calls about my deputy’s generous gesture.” Let us continue to spread kindness without reason.

In a time when many are grappling with the harsh realities of economic downturns and widespread hardship, one might expect a savvy entrepreneur to focus solely on profit-making strategies to survive. However, Tersoo Akaajime, a young and innovative fashion designer from Benue, chose a different path—one that exemplifies compassion and social responsibility. Moved by the dire circumstances faced by those residing in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Makurdi, Mr. Akaajime decided to take action that would uplift spirits and also provide tangible support. He embarked on an inspiring initiative to create beautiful dresses from linen for the women and children in these camps, recognizing that even in the face of adversity, dignity and self-expression should not be compromised. To amplify the impact of his outreach, Tersoo rallied several of his fellow designers and artisans. Together, they organized a visit to the IDP camp, where they set up a temporary workshop. The atmosphere was filled with creativity and camaraderie as they worked side by side with the residents, transforming simple linens into vibrant garments. This collaborative effort sure provided much-needed clothing especially now that the rains are here and the weather cold and humid. The initiative taken by Mr. Akaajime is an indicator that kindness can flourish even in the most challenging times. It sends a powerful message: rather than exploiting the misfortunes of others for personal gain, we should strive to make positive contributions that uplift our communities. In doing so, Tersoo Akaajime has helped those in need and also inspired others to consider how they can use their talents for the greater good. We can change the world if we’re serious about changing ourselves. One kind act at a time and the world gets better.