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Sometimes, all it takes to make an unforgettable difference in someone’s life is simply being a good listener. When kind words are added to this act of empathy, the impact becomes real and undeniable. Tim Sanders’ experience is a testament to this. By taking the time to listen to his employees and offer words of encouragement, he was able to make his employee give up on a wrong move. Tim Sanders is a leadership coach and former Chief Solutions Officer at Yahoo. Sanders advises all of his employees to reach out to their workers and subordinates to show their appreciation for their work. He often tells the story of how he did just that, speaking to his staff individually, giving them positive feedback on their performance, and telling them that he appreciated their efforts. Sanders recalls telling one specific man how glad he was that the man came into his life. After Sanders visited with his team, he was shocked when that man turned up a few days later and gave him an expensive gift, an X-Box console. As it turns out, this employee had purchased the X-Box by pawning a revolver that he had intended to use to kill himself.  After hearing the small words of praise from his boss, the man decided to keep living and seek help for his depression. Just a few kind words were all it took to help him out of his suicidal funk. “Sometimes people just need people,” Sanders said. But I bring it to you this day that -at all times, people need people. If only we learn to listen without the intents to judge, if only we learn to speak without the intent to hurt, then we would be averting a whole lot of ugly incidences. May kindness and love for humanity guide our every move.

When the hearts of men are soaked in kindness, they tend to radiate an unusual aura and grace in the things they do. An Indian collected his first salary and decided to use it in a most kind way. After completing my postgraduate studies and securing a job, my mother asked me to donate a portion of my first salary to a nearby temple, as per the Indian tradition. However, I had a different perspective on this. Instead, I decided to do something more meaningful with my first salary. I gathered a group of 14-15 underprivileged children around a famous mall in Hasratganj, Lucknow, India, and took them to McDonald’s. As we were entering the mall, the security guards tried to stop us, questioning the presence of the children. They claimed that “these types of people” were not allowed in the mall. However, I stood my ground, asserting that the children were my responsibility, and I would ensure they did not disturb the environment. I ordered happy meals for all of us, and we spent 2-3 hours laughing, talking, and creating wonderful memories together. The children even spilled a few Pepsi-filled glasses, which the McDonald’s staff refilled for free, much to my surprise, considering how they started when I and the children first came in. There were several reasons behind my decision to do this. I never wanted to waste my hard-earned money on temple donations, and I thought this would be a better way to make the children feel accepted. Now, these children know me well, and whenever I pass by the area, we spend time together, playing, sharing jokes, and engaging in friendly banter. They call me by various endearing names like “Bhaiya” (Hindi for big brother), “Uncle,” and “Cha-cha” (Hindi for uncle), making me feel more accepted in their lives. This heartwarming act of kindness, where I used my first salary to treat underprivileged children to a meal, has left a lasting impact on both the children and me.  This does clearly serve as a reminder that small acts of compassion can leave long lasting imprints on the lives of those in need. May our resolve to be kind grow bigger than the desire for recognition and accolades from people, and may genuine kindness influence all our decisions.

In 1935, when I was 10 years old, my family lived on the first floor of a walk-up apartment on 43rd Street in Brooklyn, New York. A few days before Christmas, I looked out the kitchen window to see my father sitting on the stoop, dejected and depressed, with tears in his eyes. A mailman, approaching our building, asked my father what was wrong. I heard my father say that he had used up his food vouchers and that the rent was past due. He had tried to work as a laborer through the Works Progress Administration, but he wasn’t a very strong man, and the work had been too hard for him. I was scared, having seen newspaper pictures of people being put out on the street with all their belongings. Just then, the mailman, looked at my father and asked, “Ike how much do you need?” My dad said he needed $33 for the rent, and without hesitation, he took $50 from his wallet and handed it to my father. My dad said, “I don’t know when I’ll be able to pay you back.” He put an arm around my father and said it would be okay if he paid him back or he didn’t pay him back. He noticed me looking through the window and said, “Isaac, things will not be this way forever. If you or your son will remember this day, there will be times in the future when someone needs your help. Help them within your means and tell them what happened this day. This will be my payback.” As long as he lived, my father helped others when he could, and I’ve done my best to do my part in paying forward, same generosity. The kindness and compassion shown by the mailman, a complete stranger, during our difficult time, left indelible prints on our family. His kindness and concern not only helped us in our time of need but also inspired us to pay it forward and help others whenever possible. Together, we can make the world better. Let’s keep T.A.L.K.ing

It’s easy to feel insignificant and powerless when faced with difficult situations or the desire to create meaningful change. We may doubt our abilities, skills, and knowledge, believing they are not enough to make a real difference. However, this notion may tend to limit us from being humane, when the need for our humanity comes calling. After the deadly shootings in Dallas, Texas, that left five police officers dead and half a dozen injured, two young girls, 12-year-old Lauren Roach and 11-year-old Landry Nelon wanted to do something to help their community, so they came up with an idea to start a lemonade stand. They had hoped to raise about $100 and donate their profits to the Assist the Officer Foundation. The foundation provides financial assistance to families of fallen police officers. But within minutes of opening the lemonade stand, they surpassed their goal. “We felt really bad for all the victims’ families,” said Lauren. “At first we thought we would get about $100, but after we got to about $5,000, we realized we could really get this really high.” Before the girls could even fully understand, they realized they had risen over $10,000. They accomplished it all in just two days. “People were just driving by,” said Lauren’s mother, Tracey Roach. “They didn’t want lemonade, they didn’t want anything, just giving them 20s, 50s, you name it, just giving money. And everybody saying, ‘Back the blue, back the blue, we support Dallas, we support families, help Dallas become a better place.’” “Once word spread on social media, we saw all types of people, ranging from college students and yard workers to someone who drove 30 minutes just to drop off money,” Lauren’s Mom added. The girls were proud to be able to hand over so much money to a cause they cared so deeply about. The Dallas Police Department Chairman, Frederick Frazier, awarded Laruen and Landry with a certificate of recognition for their compassion and dedication to helping others. Even as little children, they were able to point to a path of kindness that will stay green in the hearts of people for a very long time. So, let us not be deterred by feelings of inadequacy or the belief that we are too insignificant to make a change. Instead, let us embrace the power of kindness and recognize that each of us has the ability to positively influence the lives of those around us, regardless of our age or perceived limitations.

Certain acts of humans and animals have very strong therapeutic effects and the efficacy of kindness in healing and recuperation stands tall. Cassidy, a young girl battling Ewing’s sarcoma, a rare form of cancer, had been undergoing intense chemotherapy treatments to fight the disease. Despite the challenges, her mother, Kelly Pettit Huff, wanted to make her daughter’s birthday extra special.  As a surprise, Kelly bought tickets for Cassidy to attend the Route 91 Harvest music festival in Las Vegas. Cassidy, who had been feeling unwell due to the side effects of her cancer treatment, started to feel better, and they decided to embark on the trip. At the festival, Cassidy was showered with love and support from strangers. Concertgoers approached her, offering high-fives, fist bumps, hugs, and words of encouragement. Many shared their own stories of battling cancer or supporting loved ones who were fighting the disease. Kelley was overwhelmed by the kindness and compassion shown to her daughter by these kind strangers. One particularly touching moment was when a shirtless cowboy asked Cassidy to dance with him. He twirled her around, dipped her, and even kissed her bald head, leaving Cassidy with a big smile on her face. This gesture brought her immense joy during a difficult time. Though the evening didn’t exactly go as they planned, Kelly remains grateful for the turn of events as they helped Cassidy pull through such a difficult situation. If our societies are laced with the fibers of love, kindness and compassion, anyone could pull through anything. Until we get to that goal of a completely kind and selfless world, let’s keep being kind for no reason.

Chris Salvatore, a 31-year-old actor, moved in next door to Norma Cook, an 89-year-old woman who lived alone with her beloved cat, Hermes. Despite their age difference, the two quickly became great friends through their regular friendly exchanges. When Norma’s health rapidly declined, and doctors said she could no longer live independently, because she needed a round the clock care and supervision, Salvatore stepped in to care for her. He invited Norma to move in with him, as her only other option was to go into a care facility. Salvatore felt he couldn’t bear to see his “grandmother” in a facility. For the next few months, Salvatore and Norma lived together, with Salvatore cooking for her, and the two spending time watching the news, talking, drinking champagne, and eating peanuts. Though the doctors had given them little hope, Salvatore and Norma were able to share a few more precious months together, making the most of the little time Norma had left. Sadly, Norma passed away on February 15, 2017. Salvatore was heartbroken, pondering on how Norma usually referred to him as “the grandchild she never had.”  Their heartwarming friendship, forged despite their age difference, is a testament to the power of compassion and the bonds that can spring up when we activate the full option of the humanity in us.

A veteran at a food mart in Las Vegas while waiting to buy dish soap and candy. As his financial status was not good enough to buy even essential goods every week, he used to volunteer to drive his disabled veteran friend Stephanie to the store. And on this very day too, they came to the mart together. Stephanie who had to rely on a wheelchair for her mobility stated, while spending her last $50 to purchase groceries for herself and her dogs, that the future looked somewhat bleak. While all of these played out, a team of Surprise Squad reported to Stephanie that they would pay the total amount of her groceries. She was overjoyed when she heard the message. Lary Robeson was tearful when the Surprise Squad was paying his bill amount of $278. He said that he had never spent such a large amount. Lary took it upon himself to be Stephanie’s personal chauffeur, an act of kindness in its entirety. His kindness happened to be rewarded on this fateful day when Surprise Team decided to drown both him and Stephanie in the pool of kindness. This is a chain of kindness no doubt. The customers at the Albertsons Store became passionate while the team was helping a few more poor people purchase their goods. Each of us knows the value of a human life. There are some people who have placed a higher value on the lives and freedom of others than on their own. There are times when some people have placed a higher value on their country than on their own comfort and security. This is the exact situation of servicemen who throw everything to the winds, for the love of humanity and their nation. Veterans, though often treated as heroes, face many problems with their mental and physical health; some cannot find their place among their family, friends and society. Apart from mental and physical issues, they need to secure financial stability. Even the highly placed could sometimes need a hand, which is why it is of utmost importance that we never hold back on being kind, as we may be someone’s last line of hope. Just keep T.A.L.K.ing…

When we embrace inclusiveness, we are actively choosing to make others feel valued, respected, and accepted for who they are. By being inclusive, we help create a sense of belonging for those who may have felt marginalized or excluded in the past. When people feel like they are a part of a community and that their presence is valued, it can boost their self-esteem, confidence, and overall well-being. Here is what transpired between a barista and a man with auditory impairment. Ibby Piracha is one of many regulars at Starbucks in Leesburg, Virginia. However Ibby isn’t like the other regulars – he’s also deaf. Krystal Payne, a newly hired employee, knew after she first took Ibby’s order that she wanted to do something to make him feel more welcome at the store. The barista spoke with other employees about Ibby, learning he was a frequent customer and they did what they could to show him exceptional service while he was at the shop. Payne, however, wanted to take it a step further. The barista went home and spent over three hours that night learning American Sign Language so she could better communicate with Ibby. In his post, Ibby shared a photo of the note with the caption: “Oh, I gotta love this place. Starbucks woman cashier, she wrote it to me and she knew I am deaf. I am surprised she learning sign language because I attend to Starbucks 3 times in a week. She asked me “what you want drink?” in sign language. I am so blessed with her. I think she realized Leesburg, VA have deaf people. Please share this post to everyone. I want hearing people would understand about hearing community support for the deaf community.” The next morning, Krystal heard about the post when her district manager complimented her and mentioned that there were many requests from reporters to interview Krystal. “My job is to make sure people have the experience they expect and that’s what I gave him,” Krystal said. It took her a few days to adjust to her new fame, saying she didn’t understand what all the fuss was about. Ibby hopes that the gesture will lead to a better understanding of the deaf community.   He was inspired by Krystal’s act of kindness and believes others will be as well. “It shows she respects people with auditory impairment, she’s an inspiration,” Ibby shared. Today, Krystal now knows everything she needs to take Ibby’s order. Before she took it upon herself to learn American Sign Language, Ibby would have to order his drink through text messages to the staff. She learned ASL through simple YouTube videos. Piracha still loves to frequent the coffee shop, saying it is something that “gave me genuine happiness – even now, I’m still smiling.” Like we’ve always maintained at Torch of Liberty, one mustn’t break the bank to show kindness. Little acts, done out of compassion and love, could mean everything. In the very position and spot Providence has placed you, you could make life more meaningful for someone. Just endeavor to act kindly.

When your “cup runneth over,” you don’t question an opportunity to help others, which is exactly the thinking that inspired one Albuquerque family’s generosity. Josette Duran, a mother from Albuquerque, New Mexico, became an inspiring example of kindness and compassion. For months, she packed an extra lunch for her son, Dylan, simply because he asked her to. When Dylan, began asking for an extra lunch, she thought he was just more hungry than usual, until he explained what he was really doing: giving the additional sandwich and snacks to his classmate who couldn’t afford lunch. “There’s a little boy at school. He only eats a fruit cup,” Dylan said. “[He has] no money. Can you make two lunches?” Without a doubt in her mind, Josette started packing double lunches complete with encouraging notes for both students. Up until after a pretty long time, Josette never probed to learn more about Dylan’s classmate, and instead, gave the student privacy and left it up to her son to pass along the meals. “I didn’t ask, ‘What does he look like? Show me,’” she said. “I didn’t even care at that point.” She didn’t learn the child’s identity until the kid’s mom approached Josette to thank her for her generosity. She even offered Josette money to pay for the previous lunches, but Josette refused. “Thank you for feeding him. He’s doing better in school,” the mom said to Josette. Dylan is her son’s best friend at school, the mom added. The video could be accessed here https://youtu.be/CuDjyDbbY8A If we look closely, children will always love and show kindness until they are taught not to. May we learn to nurture the kind hearts children are naturally born with. May we learn to pay forward every kind act, this is how we heal the world.

Chauncy Black, a teenager from Memphis, Tennessee, approached Matt White, a stranger in a Kroger Supermarket, and asked him if he was willing to buy donuts in exchange for carrying groceries to his car. Black did not anticipate the act of grace that would follow. White didn’t buy him any donuts. Instead, he purchased an entire cart of groceries for the boy and his family. White then offered to drive Black back to his home so that he wouldn’t have to ride the bus. That’s when White met Black’s disabled mother, Barbara Martin, and saw their living conditions. Their living condition is simply terrible by all standards. White knew that he had to do something to help this family. He went home and set up a GoFundMe account called “Chauncy’s Chance,” setting an initial goal to raise $250 to buy a lawnmower for the teenager who wanted to legitimately earn money by cutting grass. Since then, the fund has raised over $250,000 in just 13 days, which is way more than anyone involved in it thought they would raise. But now that they have it, they are planning on putting it to good use. Martin believes what happened is an act of God. She knows that White was sent into their lives for a reason. Choking back tears, Martin said, “I’m still stunned. I just don’t know what to say. It’s just so wonderful. I just know God is good and he sent a good person into our lives.” Black just wants for his family to make it out of poverty. This small act is doing a lot to change their situation. “It means a whole lot to us and our family,” Black said. “We are very thankful to all of those who reached out to get us into a better home and a safe environment.” White, who is a man of faith, is amazed by how God has used the power of their story to provide so much for them already and can’t wait to see what God continues to have in store for them. “I pray that he will continue to do so and that we will have all the funds and resources we need to secure Chauncy and his mom for the rest of their lives.” White is now planning to raise enough money to move Black and his mother into a nicer home and looking into buying them new furniture and clothes. A new goal has been set on the GoFundMe page for $275,000, a goal they are very close to meeting. Many asked White the reason he felt compelled to help out the teen. White responded: “This kid was really brave. The look on his face was kind of broken. He looked hungry. I just thought to myself, if I was his age, I don’t think I could go up to someone and ask them for food. I looked at him like he was my hero… When Chauncy approached me, it just tugged at my heart.” When Black was asked why he approached White in the grocery store that day, he said he was moved by God and he listened to His voice. “Something told me to go to Kroger,” Black said. “God told me to go to Kroger.” This experience has taught Black a lot, including a powerful lesson about faith. “Faith takes care of a lot of stuff,” Black said. “That’s what I had: faith.” Humans are truly kind, despite the cruelty in the world. We would sure be creating a peaceful, loving and safe world if we always harken to the voice of kindness which softly speaks to our hearts. Let’s continue to spread kindness, let’s continue to make a difference out there and a positive one at that. Let’s keep T.A.L.K.ing.