Benevolence - Acts of Kindness...

Tragedy and loss can move us to action like nothing else, even when we'd rather not get involved. Loss can temporarily if not permanently remove walls of bigotry, jealousies, and hurtful offenses that divide families and friends. A mother has to bury her eleven year old child, a husband pains over his wife with Alzheimer's, a child witnesses a beloved parent take their last breath after a long illness, a good friend dies suddenly; all heavy losses that give rise to acts of kindness otherwise not extended.

A few weeks before my mothers' courageous fight with breast cancer ended, one of her close friends appeared at the front door early one morning. When I opened the door, she just stood there, quiet and petite, holding what appeared to be bags of groceries with her young son behind her also weighed down. I stood there speechless, looking at her and her looking at me, and me wondering if in that instant she knew how grateful I was. She moved gently past me and quietly began to make the kitchen her command post. Silent tears confirmed there was no need to exchange words.

When you know someone is in pain, it's time to lay aside personal hurt and anger, and allow the spirit of benevolence to move you to compassion. Immaturity will have you show kindness only to those people you "like". If you are not on good terms with someone in pain, send a card, give money, take food, drinks, send flowers - at least offer assistance - even if it means being turned away. Because one day, if you haven't already, you will suffer the pain, sadness, and loneliness that comes from loss, and hopefully you will experience the comfort that comes from the benevolent hearts of others.

Kindness is what sustains us all.

Please take a minute to watch this awesome video!