Humanity House
One of the most important things that we can control is our words. The most valuable commodity that we have is our time. Do some thinking and put the two of them together, and you can make miracles happen.
We have people in our communities who live tough lives. They sometimes have addiction problems; they come from abusive families; they are poor; they live hard lives.
Some of those folks come into Humanity House. One such gentleman came in to ask for help with gas money. Our funds are extremely low right now, and so we told him that we were sorry, but we didnt have the funds available on that day. He left. But then he came back. He walked in the door and asked a simple question. Do you not have the funds because of who I am?
When a person hears all their lives that they are worthless and stupid, that they cant do anything right, that they are already wasted their life, that it would have been better had they never been born, those words color every single thing that they do for the rest of their lives. They have no self-confidence. They have no belief in themselves. To them, there is no point in reaching for anything beyond what is right in front of their faces because they are just going to screw anything else up.
What makes the difference to these people? Kindness. The feeling that someone believes in them. That someone likes them. The knowledge that someone is going to like you today, tomorrow, next year. How do they learn that? By your words. By the support that you give them through all of their messed up attempts. By supportive words, even if they are tough words, through every failed effort. For some, this will be the first time that they are held accountable for their actions in a way that also demonstrates kindness and friendship and doesnt beat them down but lifts them up.
How long does this process take? For some it takes a year, for some it takes longer. But when the spark of self-confidence is ignited, it is a wonderful thing to see. To share friendship with someone who turns lighting birthday candles into a three-alarm fire and watch them turn around and become a person who owns their own business or lead supervisor in a factory or awarded employee of the month is enriching for both of you.
Not giving up, not giving in, not speaking harsh or damaging words, giving your time willingly, giving your support, giving friendship none of those things cost a single bit of money but are the most valuable things that you have to offer. Share them willingly, for above everything else, kindness can be a life changer.
Kindness matters!
