Random Acts of Kindness

Random acts of kindness are often overshadowed by acts of hatred, sin and other evil actions. It's rare to find someone who gives unselfishly. When one does, often the act is observed, recognized or appreciated only by the parties involved. Soon, the occurrence is a forgotten episode etched deep in the minds of those involved with no one else ever being aware of the act.

These days, negative acts are immortalized by the media. Acts of benevolence and kindness are overshadowed by those of objectionable deeds and definitely never draw the attention deserved. Too often, the fundamental good of people is completely ignored. Feeling good simply does not occur enough. It's important when even the smallest random act of kindness occurs, and they definitely occur, we need to spotlight the act, broadcast it and make it known to as many people as possible.

These small deeds should be recorded for others to see for decades to come. In other words, we need to make sure people are made aware of the fact that the 'good' in people does occur on a regular basis. People must know there is a heart in others and it is there no matter what seems to occur on the outside. We need to show that good far outweighs evil and can be counted on to present itself for no reason at all other than it's embedded in the soul of an individual.

A few days ago, a fellow writer commented on one of my articles. His words dug deep into my heart. They made me realize that there is and will always be 'power' in the written word. When those of us who can make an impact by using our words to plant a seed, fail to do so we are failing society. We should make every effort to balance the record whenever possible. Far too often, we use our words only when it seems to provide monetary gain. However, it's our responsibility to make sure we use our words and the power of the pen to respect the present and guarantee it's place in immortalizing history.

I don't think the person I am about to write about would have ever, could have ever imagined the impact her action made. That's a mere smidgen of what defines 'random' acts of kindness. The act of performing a deed or action without thought to aid another when in need. Elizabeth Norris thought I was in need. She may have considered her actions a responsibility to a visitor. She may have been taught by her pastor, her family or her love of God that this is the way one is to respond when visitors appear to be in need. Whatever the reason, Elizabeth felt I was in need and she wanted to come to the aid of a visitor.

Her generous act touched me very deeply. So deeply, I had to make sure it was set into words so others would be aware. I had to make sure her name was mentioned. I wanted her to see the impact she made on a visitor by her generous gesture.

Maybe in years to come, Elizabeth can look back on today and remember her generous effort that made it's way into an article. An action she may one day use to demonstrate to her children how her words are grounded in deeds. She can be proud of the fact that a stranger felt so strongly about the gesture, that it led to a series of articles.

We never know who we are sitting next to or who we are entertaining. For by God's word, in Hebrews 13:2, "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unaware." We never know who we might be helping when we offer our assistance to a stranger. I had no idea the young lady I was sitting next to had a heart some might describe as being made of 'gold.'