My book writing has been minimalized a bit the last couple of weeks, mostly due to the fact that I am rereading and make subtle grammar, structural, and phrase changes to my earlier manuscripts before I turn them into my publisher. I’m a perfectionist, I know… I’ve been told many times. As such, I was at a loss as to what I would write about this week. But watching the local news along with a BLOG post by my publisher… I was inspired.
The news stations here in Colorado constantly report on the homeless population here. It is astronomical. The encampments are in such numbers that serious health and safety concerns are paramount with daily conversations in this area. The need for charity and most of all KINDNESS has grown exponentially since the Covid pandemic wreaked havoc across this state, our country, and the globe.
When I taught high school, the state of NC paid its teachers so poorly that I often I had to chose between buying groceries and keeping the electricity or water from being shut off. I had a dear friend that would occasionally help me with a few dollars to get by. She was kind, patient, and knew I would pay her back as soon as I had the money to do so. The stress of teaching coupled with the sheer lack of a livable income pushed me to finally say enough! A change in careers was underway. With that change, came financial security and therefore the ability to pay her kindness forward.
Over these last 8 years I have seen those in need all over the globe. Syrian refugees all across Europe begging for table scraps at street side cafes… In London, I would see men and women sitting outside of the Tesco Grocery store as I was going in to purchase food for my stay. I was there twice a week and as such made many trips to Tesco. Every time, I saw a person outside that store I purchased an extra sandwich, fruit, and water, then leave it with them as I walked out of the store… along with a couple of pounds. I sat down to eat breakfast at some random city here in the states, only to see a man, homeless, sitting alone at an outside table. I got up, gave him my untouched sandwich, then went back in to finish my coffee with my friend. My daughter used to work at Starbucks, and she would come home upset from time to time because homeless would come in and just ask for a simple cup of coffee. Starbucks would put those employees in a horrible position, by telling them that they were not allowed to give it to them. (I mean, come on!… Seriously? That simple cup of black coffee probably cost them less than 2 cents total). I witnessed her struggle once when I was in there and a man approached asking for a cup of coffee. My children were taught kindness from a young age. It was cold outside, and I could see the heartache on her face. The lady in front of me bought him a cup of coffee and I bought him a protein bar. I have never seen a man more grateful in my life. Those in true need are so grateful for kindness.
Yes, buying someone a sandwich or a cup of coffee costs a few dollars, but the impact in priceless. You’ve helped that person make it through the day. However, kindness as a whole, is so often …free. I was in New York City hanging out for the day with friends while I was based in NJ and witnessed the sweetest sight. An older woman (bless her, she was really quiet old) who barely spoke any English, was struggling to decipher the crossing light at a street corner. A young black man, who appeared to be in his mid-twenties, had long dread locks, wore his pants below his butt and a black Tupac t-shirt… gently grabbed her from under her arm and pointed sweetly to the crossing light. When the light showed that it was safe to cross, he carefully …and slowly, helped her cross to the other corner, then crossed to the next corner when the light allowed. She was so grateful that tears welled in her eyes, she pulled the young man towards her, and kissed him on his cheek. Now… here is a young man that society sees the way he’s dressed and makes erroneous assumptions about his character but he took the time to care and to show compassion and kindness to someone in need. I would also like to point out that there were several wall street types who pushed passed her, agitated that she was standing in their way as they were trying to cross the street. My friends and I walked behind the young man and older woman as they the crossed two sections of the street corner. When the woman walked away, we told the young guy what a nice thing he did. He was humble and kind and didn’t think twice about what he’d done. The three of us stood around and talked to him for nearly 30 minutes. We learned so much about this perfect stranger.
There have been many times that I was proud of my kids… but one that stands out above all else is that my daughter, Suzi, initiated an annual AMOK (Annual Melee of Kindness – #AMOK) at her high school. Here she established a “scavenger hunt” (if you will) of random acts of kindness. Each group took a list of random acts and made sure to hit every one of them. My heart runneth over!
Kindness isn’t just for a certain ethnicity or sexual orientation. It isn’t just what you learn in a church or what you make sure to tithe every Sunday. It isn’t always charity at a restaurant or at a coffee shop. None of that means anything, if what we feel inside …that which we shine onto others is dark, meaningless, and cold. Too often we are so focused on ourselves that we fail to turn the light on in our hearts for others.
One of the many benefits that I get from working with United House Publishing is that periodically I get an email/BLOG from the CEO, Amber Olafsson. This week’s BLOG focused on keeping our inner selves free from those things that tarnish what we put into the world. Thus, part of the inspiration for my BLOG this week. Thank you, Amber for your inspiration not only with my weekly BLOG but to remind me that when kindness is within us… when we exude it and it flows to others.
Donna Fera
AuthorDonna Fera‘s writing invites readers to explore unknown worlds alongside courageous heroes as they face thrilling challenges and uncover hidden secrets. With a Bachelor of Arts in History and Anthropology from University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Donna is able to take her readers on amazing journeys that draw upon her background in research and learning practices. Combined with her experience in the airline industry and special projects, Donna creates stories that captivate readers with their combination of organizational detail and customer service resolution. Join Donna on this remarkable journey!
