When Kindness Becomes More Than Words

I don’t know anyone who would argue against kindness. Without imperative data, I would guess that if you ask a random sampling of people in your local supermarket, they will all agree on the value of kindness.

Then, at least one of those individuals might give a loud huff at the young woman corralling two toddlers while holding an infant, and placing one item at a time onto the counter. But the person behind the struggling mom quietly begins helping with a smile.

I watched another scene unfold as I waited in line for my annual health exam. A woman in a wheel chair accompanied by a caregiver (not a family member) struggled to understand the charges for her medical procedure. She seemed confused and worried about whether her bank account had sufficient funds to cover $375.

The receptionist spoke gently and offered to allow her to pay half now and be billed for the remainder. We all watched, feeling as helpless as the woman. Until . . .

Another patient approached the counter, “I would like to pay this bill.”

“Oh no, I can’t let you do that,” the woman cried.

“But I want to,” she whispered, touching the distraught woman’s shoulder.

“Why would you do that?”

After paying the bill in full, Deanna (whom I later met in the hallway) sat next to the woman and explained why. At one point in her life, she was a single mom with two young children surviving on food stamps and the help of others. Deanna eventually found a career and advanced in her corporate marketing job allowing her to more than adequately support herself and her children.

Deanna knew and felt the woman’s frustration. Family and strangers met her needs with kindness, and now she wanted to do the same for someone else.

All of us sitting in that waiting room were stunned at the generosity, but even more touched by the kindness, compassion and empathy of Deanna as she comforted another human being. 

The money was certainly an extravagant act, but I saw what Houston Kraft describes as deep kindness.

The kind of Kindness that overcomes selfishness and fear.

The sort of generosity that expects nothing in return.

The unconditional care that is given despite a person’s shortcomings or ugliness. The commitment to consistent, thoughtful action that proves, over time, that your giving is not dependent on circumstance or convenience. Deep Kindness requires something more than politeness or even an honest desire to help—it requires careful self-reflection, profound courage, a willingness to be humbled, and hard-earned social and emotional skills. 

This is the Kindness that can truly change the world.

When kindness becomes more than words, that’s something to celebrate.

A song for Kindness . . .

Words worth remembering . . .

“Tenderness and kindness are not signs of weakness and despair, but manifestations of strength and resolution.”
—Khalil Gibran

And always—

In this holiday season, however you celebrate, may you encounter and share deep Kindness.

Be kind. Be brave. Be you.