kindness

When a judge in Miami recognized a defendant in her courtroom as a childhood friend, the burglary suspect, Arthur Booth, broke down in tears. Courtroom cameras captured the moment Judge Mindy Glazer reminisced about Booth being “the nicest kid in middle school” and their shared football games. Overcome with emotion, Booth was unable to hear his old friend ponder how things had gone so wrong. This poignant scene served as a turning point for Booth, inspiring him to reclaim his dignity and seek a fresh start. Ten months later, upon completing his sentence, he was greeted by Judge Glazer and his family, who welcomed him with open arms and encouragement to rebuild his life. “You’re going to do something good for somebody else,” Judge Glazer told Booth as he was released. “This is a group effort to see you succeed. Don’t let us down.” When kindness makes it to our every gathering, difficult situations tend to fix up without so much sweat. In our lines of duty, we can always TRY A LITTLE KINDNESS.

In Anchorage, Alaska, a harrowing scene unfolded as a man found himself trapped beneath his overturned SUV, which was rapidly engulfed in flames. The urgency of the situation was palpable as both officers and courageous bystanders sprang into action to rescue him. With smoke billowing and heat radiating from the burning vehicle, the trapped motorist’s cries for help pierced the air, amplifying the tension of the moment. Determined to save him, a group of onlookers joined forces with police officer Mitchel Veenstra, who quickly organized an impromptu rescue team. Together, they exerted all their strength to lift the massive SUV off the man’s arm, which was pinned beneath the vehicle. As adrenaline surged through their veins, the crowd’s collective effort intensified. In a remarkable display of human spirit and solidarity, they managed to free him just moments before the SUV became fully engulfed in flames. Once liberated, the man was overcome with emotion; tears streamed down his face as he expressed gratitude to those who risked their own safety for his. His heartfelt thanks resonated with everyone present, a reminder of the bravery and compassion that can emerge in life-or-death situations.

In moments of significant distress, it is often the smallest gestures that convey the most profound messages. A former reporter, Deepak Saini, captured a heartwarming moment during a torrential downpour at a Target store in Kenner, Louisiana. Instead of rushing to their cars, shoppers were waiting out the rain when one man began to assist them by escorting them with his umbrella. This act of kindness stood out to Saini, who noticed the man, drenched but smiling, helping mothers and children carry their groceries to their vehicles. Saini described the scene, highlighting the man’s joyful demeanor as he repeatedly asked, “Who’s next?” after each escort. This simple yet impactful gesture resonated with Saini, prompting him to take a photograph of the good deed. He later shared this image on Facebook, emphasizing that in that moment, the man’s race and the race of those he was helping were irrelevant. The focus was on humanity and kindness transcending societal divisions. The post gained traction as Saini reflected on the current state of society, where racial tensions often overshadow acts of goodwill. He urged others to embrace kindness and let it serve as an example for everyone during turbulent times. His message underscored the need for compassion and connection among individuals, regardless of their backgrounds. James Varnado, the man behind the umbrella, shared his perspective with a local news outlet. He expressed that at the core of humanity is the understanding that people are just people; regardless of wealth or status, everyone can benefit from assistance. Varnado’s actions not only provided immediate relief to those caught in the rain but also served as a reminder that kindness can bridge divides and foster a sense of community in challenging times. Whatever you do this day, remember to Try A Little Kindness.

If Ellen Meharey hadn’t decided to make a quick sandwich before taking her dogs for a walk, she might have found herself rolling down her wheelchair ramp—right where a truck crashed on Sunday afternoon. Ellen, a resident of Tarentum, Pennsylvania, had skipped breakfast on her way to church that morning. Just as she was about to head out with her dogs, Joey and Bella, her stomach growled, prompting her to prepare a sandwich first. While she was in the kitchen, Ellen heard a loud screech followed by a crash outside. Rushing to the front of her house, she discovered that a truck had veered into her yard, damaging her railing and knocking over her wheelchair ramp. The vehicle ended up on its side, leaving Ellen uncertain about the driver’s condition, so she called 911. As she waited for emergency responders, Ellen reflected on how her choice to alter her Sunday routine may have saved her life. “I wanted to get something to eat before I took the dogs out,” she told reporters. “I just decided to make a half a sandwich and get something to eat before I went out, and I am so glad I did.” The driver of the truck received on-site treatment and was well enough to avoid hospitalization.

A woman experienced heartbreak after realizing she had left her wallet in a Walmart shopping cart last week, but her spirits were lifted when a family returned it to her, complete with all its contents. Shayna Keliiholokai was shopping at the Walmart in Kapolei, Hawaii, last Friday when her husband inadvertently returned their cart without noticing Shayna’s wallet tucked away in one of its compartments. Thirty minutes later, Shayna discovered her mistake and rushed back to the store, hoping to find her wallet still in the cart. Unfortunately, it was nowhere to be found. The wallet held not only her identification and medical cards for her children but also $1,612 intended for rent. Just when she thought all was lost, Shayna received a Facebook message from a couple whose son had found her wallet and wanted to return it. Later that evening, they met at Walmart, where the family handed over the wallet with everything intact. “They returned everything to me!” Shayna exclaimed. “I tried to give them $100 for their kindness, but they refused. I even asked them to let their son spend it at Walmart, but they still declined.” In the end, they exchanged phone numbers, and Shayna expressed gratitude for gaining new friends through this unexpected turn of events.

Two days ago, the host of the KaaTruths Podcast Studio, Amobi Armstrong arrived in the morning and was approached by a young boy named Issac, who carried a shovel and garden scissors. Issac greeted the host with enthusiasm, offering to trim the flowers and clear the grass, expressing his desire to make the space look nice. The host was impressed by Issac’s initiative, noting that it was rare to see a boy of his age seeking work instead of begging for money. As Issac worked, the host occasionally assisted him with taller flowers. During this time, another boy, who often came to beg for money, entered the studio. After greeting the host, he took his usual seat. Once Issac finished his task, the host playfully praised him for his efforts. The other boy, feeling overlooked, announced his departure while gesturing for money, but the host chose to focus on Issac. Appreciating Issac’s hardworking mentality, the host decided to give him more than just a small monetary reward. He selected seven pieces of clothing from his wardrobe—some of which he had never worn—and handed them to Issac along with 30,000 naira in cash. The host encouraged Issac to confirm his school fees for the new term and to bring either his father or the school’s bank account number for payment. Additionally, he advised Issac against adopting the begging behavior of the other boy and emphasized the importance of contributing positively to others’ lives. To further support Issac’s preparation for school, he arranged for him to visit a barbing salon for a haircut. The host concluded by reflecting on the value of contributing to others’ lives and how such actions are appreciated by those around us.