Today is Kindness Day

The WFLA facebook page promotes today as their 15th annual Kindness Day as supported by channel 8 in the Tampa Bay area.

They encourage donating the following for these 5 charities during the holiday season.

New toy – for TOYS FOR TOTS
New Teddy bear – for TAMPA ROUGH RIDERS
Non-perishable food – for FEEDING TAMPA BAY
School supplies – for HILLSBOROUGH EDUCATION FOUNDATION
Or donate blood – to ONEBLOOD

Here’s a direct link to their web page offering more information on how you can help, especially if you live in the Tampa area. Of course, you don’t have to live in this area to donate to a worthy cause or help someone less fortunate to make their holiday a bit brighter.

While facebook too often features personal disputes, angry tirades, and insulting remarks, there are many posts offering information, activities and encouragement to be kind. I did a quick fb search and found these nuggets encouraging kindness.

Roma Downey shared this quote from Rosalyn Carter. “Kindness is the connection that links us all together and strengthens the bonds within our communities, neighborhoods, and families.” I would also add it strengthens the fellowship within the church-family.

On a Quotes and Poetry page is this important thought from Mikita Gill. “People can be so quiet about their pain, that you forget they are hurting. That is why it is always so important to be kind.”

A poster named Helen-Marie offers this insight on Kindness.

Kindness Matters So Much Because:

• You never know what someone is going through.
• It may serve as the lifeline someone needs.
• It helps bring connection, warmth, and belonging.
• It could help someone feel loved.
• It shows that goodness exists and brings hope.
• The ripple effect is beautiful to witness.
• It could help someone feel seen.
• It could help someone feel less lonely.
• It helps bring compassion.

A page called Healthy and New reminds us that kindness involves character with this quote from an unknown author: “Kindness is not an act. It’s a lifestyle.”

My search also revealed this 2015 post by Brett Culp that is well worth emulating.

Last night, I joined a group of church friends at a local laundry mat. For 3 hours, we paid for the washing & drying of anyone who came in.

We felt it was a simple & kind way to help a neighborhood in need. We met them, hugged them, listened to their stories, & helped wash their clothes.

To me, it seemed like a small thing. But, to the unemployed construction worker, the single mother of 3, & the lady who was recently living in a tent, this small gift represented light in a dark place.

We loved the experience. We are planning to do it again on the first Thursday of next month. And we are expecting a bigger crowd of people who need clean clothes & a few moments of compassion.

Small actions have the power to make a big impact. Doing good doesn’t have to be complicated. Today, please take the time to open your eyes, look around, & spread kindness.

Someone named  Genia Kelley posted on Wilson Adam’s page that December is about sharing and serving, reminding us that it’s “more blessed to give than to receive.” To make your month better she said, “Be kind.” Then she offered this suggestion.  “See police officers in line? Buy their lunch. Ditto for an elderly person. The best gifts are simple acts of kindness. Look for opportunities to make someone’s day a little better. It’s December.”

My search even uncovered this 2012 post from ThePreachersWord entitled “Kindness Counts.”

Then there is this reminder from Women of Faith: “You will never regret being kind.”

The Bible offers this simple, succinct admonition, “Be kind to one another…” (Eph. 4:23).

While today is WFLA Kindness Day, make every day a day of kindness.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman