Random Acts Of Kindness

A bus driver gave a woman the shoes off her feet in a beautiful act of generosity and love.

The world is a sad, cruel and lost place. Sin has done a number on our society, destroying anything and everything it encounters. As a result, many people are hurting and struggling, desperately looking for anything that may give them even the tiniest bit of hope.

Individuals struggling and suffering are all around us. They could be your co-worker, neighbor, someone we pass on the street or even a family member. There is plenty of need all around us. However, one question remains: How will we respond to and help those in need?

According to a video posted on YouTube, Minneapolis bus driver Jayne Arendt-Verhelst saw a need one day and acted swiftly to meet it. Jayne spotted a woman, who appeared to be homeless, standing in the middle of the road. Jayne stopped and gave the woman a lift. 

However, Jayne quickly noticed something unusual about the mysterious woman.

She didn’t have any shoes. For a second, Jayne put herself in that woman’s position, trying to see the world through her eyes.

“I can’t imagine what it’s like walking around in bare feet on the hot pavement, and just nobody sees you,” Jayne said. “She’s just kind of invisible, you know?”

But Jayne saw her and acted with generosity and love. The video shows Jayne taking the shoes off her feet and giving them to the unknown woman.

Yes, people are sinners and need the life-changing touch and forgiveness that can only come from Jesus Christ. But we must meet people where they are first. If someone is hungry, thirsty, doesn’t have a coat or lacks some other kind of necessity and we don’t meet that need, how receptive are they going to be to anything else we say or do?

Acts 20:35 “In all things I was an example to you of how, in your lives, you are to give help to the feeble, and keep in memory the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘There is a greater blessing in giving than in getting.’”

In an inspiring and heartwarming journey, strangers help a mother traveling alone with her son. From helping with her luggage to a stranger offering to entertain her son, each act of kindness filled her heart with faith and hope. 

Traveling with a baby is challenging under the best circumstances, and facing this challenge alone can be overwhelming. Imagine the fear and anxiety she felt as she embarked on her journey. Yet, throughout her trip, this mother discovered a "village" of compassionate strangers who stepped in at every turn, each gesture weaving together a tapestry of support and kindness that left her deeply moved.

Her video opens with a poignant moment—this brave mama stands alone, cradling her son, and the caption reads: “I’m scared to travel alone with my son; we have no village to help us.” The raw vulnerability of her words captures the depth of her apprehension as she navigates this challenging journey.

From the moment she boarded the airplane, the kindness began. Fellow passengers offered to help with her heavy luggage, made room for her and her baby, and shared comforting words. One elderly gentleman even held her son by the window, giving her a much-needed break and capturing a touching moment of relief and gratitude.

The acts of kindness continued. On a search for a hotel, a pair of young boys generously shared their snacks with her son. Later, the driver went above and beyond during an Uber ride, ensuring her comfort and safety. He let them wait in his car rather than at a train station late at night, showing a genuine concern for their well-being.

The generosity did not end there. On the train, strangers offered assistance with the stroller and shared friendly smiles. The most profound moment came when a stranger walked over a mile to a grocery store to bring back milk for her son after they were stranded while waiting for their train.

The mother documented these touching moments, highlighting the extraordinary kindness she encountered. Her video, filled with these acts of compassion, is a powerful reminder of the goodness in people.

In the caption of her video, she pours out her heart: “Sobbing crying making this video. My faith in humanity was restored after this whole experience.” Her words reflect the profound gratitude and emotional impact of these gestures.

Her story reveals the beautiful power of human kindness and the difference it can make. It illustrates how even small acts of generosity can restore hope and reaffirm our belief in the goodness of others. In a world where it’s easy to feel disheartened, this mother’s journey stands as a beacon of hope, showing that even in the most challenging moments, there are people ready to extend a hand and make the world a more compassionate place, one act of kindness at a time.

Galatians 6:9 "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

A stranger’s unexpected act of kindness in IKEA brought a woman, a mother of four, to tears.

Children are absolutely fantastic and one of the biggest and best ways the Lord blesses our lives. They bring so much joy, love and happiness, making for a much fuller and richer life. There really is nothing like being a parent and watching those little ones grow, learn and explore a whole new world.

But when raising children, not every moment is picture-perfect. It can often be quite the opposite. What used to be a fast, easy and straightforward errand before having children, like going to the grocery store, can become a long, drawn-out and emotion-filled situation after kids enter the picture. Every parent knows this to be 100% true.

In a video posted on social media, one woman recalls taking her four children to IKEA. Early in the video, she admits that she wasn’t setting herself up for success by taking four youngsters to the popular furniture outlet alone.

She also states that one of her children has special needs and requires additional attention at times. That child can get “quite overwhelmed and distressed in certain environments,” but predicting when this happens is hard to do.

As the mother was nearly finished in IKEA, the youngster became overwhelmed, which caused another of the four children, a 2-year-old, to throw a massive tantrum in the store. Mom tried responding to everyone’s needs while finishing her shopping trip. Mom needed a minute herself.

But that’s when something unexpected and extraordinary happened.

Instead of simply staring at the scene and walking on by, a woman approached the mother of four and asked how she could help. The mother of four was so overwhelmed by the kindness that she immediately burst into tears.

The woman stayed with the mother of four as she attempted to calm the children. She even helped walk the mother to her car.

“I cannot thank her enough for her kindness,” the mother said. “Her family was so patient, and the love and the kindness that she showed me in that moment was more than I could have ever hoped for.”

Ephesians 4:32 “And be kind to one another, full of pity, having forgiveness for one another, even as God in Christ had forgiveness for you.”

In a heartwarming tale that's gone viral, a police officer’s heartwarming act of kindness to a dog in the rain will make you want to stand up and clap for his generosity. 

Trooper Lance Willis of the Tennessee Highway Patrol became a real-life superhero when he rescued a stray dog from a rainy predicament. Spotting the pooch wandering perilously in the middle of rush hour traffic, Trooper Willis sprang into action, parking his patrol car strategically with lights ablaze to halt oncoming vehicles. With a beckoning gesture, he stepped out into the rain and coaxed the hesitant dog into safety.

The dashcam footage capturing this act of kindness shows Trooper Willis patiently gaining the trust of the wary pup named Luna. Once aboard the safety of his vehicle, Luna found comfort in the company of her temporary rescuer, who ensured she was safe until animal control arrived. Luna was whisked off to Petworks Animal Services, where a reunion with her worried family awaited.

Relieved and touched by Luna's safe recovery, Trooper Willis expressed his gratitude upon learning that Luna's family had been located. Social media erupted with praise for the officer's compassionate gesture, with users hailing him as more than just a cop – he was a true hero for animals everywhere. "Tennesse State Trooper Willis, you're my hero," one commenter shared, echoing the sentiments of many touched by the heartening rescue. Another joked, “The dog is like I called for an Uber, but this nice policeman will do it!”

In a world often filled with sirens and traffic, Trooper Willis' selfless act stands out as a beacon of hope and compassion. Luna's story reminds us of the bond between humans and their furry companions, proving that even in the midst of a storm, there are always moments of kindness that shine through like a sunny day.

Psalm 23:1-3 "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake." 

A construction worker showed great concern and unexpected kindness after a child had a nasty bike wreck.

Children are supposed to be outside enjoying the great outdoors, having fun, exploring with their friends and engaging in some much-needed physical activity. Phones, tablets and other devices with screens consume too much of our time, including children's. Putting the screens down and spending more time outside, away from those devices, would do us all some good.

One of the most common ways for children to experience the outdoors is by riding a bike. It's a great way to exercise and a relatively quick method of getting from Point A to Point B. Plus, riding bikes is just a lot of fun.

In a clip posted on social media, a young man and his buddies were outside, riding their bikes together, when he rode past a construction site. The construction workers were working on the lane next to them when the young man took a tumble and fell. From the video, the crash looks pretty bad. It wouldn't have been surprising if the young man had come away from the wreck with an injury or two.

After the young man falls to the ground, one of the construction workers immediately rushes over to him. The kind city worker picks up the little guy's bike and then proceeds to help the young man to his feet.

But the construction worker's kindness did not stop there. He dusted off the boy's bike, made sure it still operated properly and even cleaned off the young man's hands.

Soon after, the group of youngsters was back on their way. Right before the clip ends, the construction worker lightly and friendly pats one of the children on the helmet as the kids ride past him.

It doesn't take much to be kind to someone else, but it can significantly impact the person receiving the action or one witnessing the move.

Ephesians 4:32 "And be kind to one another, full of pity, having forgiveness for one another, even as God in Christ had forgiveness for you."

A stranger’s unexpected kindness shined as he helped a mother traveling alone with her toddler.

Children are wonderful and nothing but blessings from the Lord above. They add much joy and happiness, creating a richer and fuller life. Any and every parent would wholeheartedly agree with those statements.

However, as much as children are terrific and the best gift possible, positively impacting our lives in every way, they can also be tiring. Children are constantly growing, learning and exploring, wanting to go every which way all the time.  All of that energy and excitement from their little one can lead to a tired and worn-out mother or father. Those, too, are statements with which every parent would also concur.  

In particular, children in the toddler phase can be taxing on a parent’s nerves and patience. That’s why when one man saw a mother traveling alone with her youngster struggling, he stepped in to lend a helping and loving hand.

The short clip begins after the man spots the mother having issues with her little one and offers to hold and carry the child’s car seat and stroller to their seats on the plane. But after boarding the aircraft, the man’s kindness did not stop.

To give the mother a little time to herself, the gentleman took the child to the cockpit to meet the pilots. The unidentified man also carried the young man around the plane, giving him a tour of the aircraft.

The mother definitely appreciated that man’s unexpected display of love and kindness. The short clip ends with the mother referring to the man as an “angel.”

We never know how big of a difference a little act of kindness could mean to someone hurting or struggling. It could mean the world to that person and show them that someone still cares and loves them.

Ephesians 4:32 “And be kind to one another, full of pity, having forgiveness for one another, even as God in Christ had forgiveness for you.”

One sweet young man’s generous act inspires and will restore your faith in humanity and also in the younger generation.

Generosity and kindness are in short supply and always will be. That’s because we can never have too much of either of them. The more kindness and generosity we can show someone else, the better.

We never know how our unexpected acts of kindness and generosity may impact someone else’s life. They may lead to a massive, monumental change in another individual’s life or make a minuscule, barely noticeable difference in someone else’s day.

We can also never be too sure how the person acting out of kindness will be impacted. We should never show others kindness and generosity while considering ourselves and how it will affect and improve our lives. Showing someone kindness and generosity while having selfish, self-centered motivations defeats the purpose.

However, one young man,9-year-old Kelvin Ellis Jr., who had nothing but the sweetest and purest intentions and motivations, showed a stranger unexpected kindness and generosity. Kelvin offered a man he thought was homeless his only dollar bill. It was money that young Kelvin had just received as a reward for his grades.

It turned out the man Kelvin offered his money to was not homeless. Instead, the man was Matt Busbice, a business owner who has bought and sold companies that have generated millions of dollars, according to CBS.

Kelvin’s generosity incredibly moved Matt.

“I haven’t had that much faith in humanity in a very long time,” he said.

Matt was sure to repay Kelvin for his kind act and generosity. He gave the young man a 40-second shopping spree in his sporting goods store, where he could grab anything and everything he wanted.

But beyond just that, the two have become friends since Kelvin’s generous and kind act.

“If you give, you’re actually going to get more out of that,” Matt said. “I couldn’t grasp that as a kid. And if we can spread that around, everything changes.”

Ephesians 4:32 “And be kind to one another, full of pity, having forgiveness for one another, even as God in Christ had forgiveness for you.”

One woman is on a mission to help sick children in hospitals celebrate their birthdays.

There are a lot of bad, heartbreaking and gut-wrenching things that happen in this fallen and lost world. But children suffering or being hospitalized with a life-threatening illness is one of the worst situations. They are the most vulnerable and innocent members of society and to see children hurting will break your heart every time.

When they see or hear of a child in the hospital battling an illness, most people want to help in any way possible. They want to do something to help ease that youngster’s pain, even for a few days or hours. Helping to bring a smile to a sick child’s face is exactly what one woman is doing.

Stephanie, a wedding planner in Rhode Island, appeared on The Kelly Clarkson Show and talked about her initiative, what motivated her to help hospitalized children recognize their big days and what she sends them to celebrate their birthdays.

Stephanie said the idea came after she learned that most hospitals present children with a cake and a gift and sing “Happy Birthday.” She wanted to do more, so she got to work. She started by calling hospitals around the country to find out if that was the norm, and she found out it was.

She started putting together party boxes filled with birthday decorations for sick children. In the 10 years since she began helping sick children in the hospital celebrate their big days, Stephanie has sent thousands of party boxes. Inside the box, there is everything needed to throw a fantastic birthday party.

“We totally believe that happiness heals,” she said. “And having a decorated room on a birthday in a hospital, we believe, helps in the healing process of an illness and brings so much joy to kids and their families and creates a positive memory during their journey, during their sickness and being in the hospital.”

Ephesians 4:32 “And be kind to one another, full of pity, having forgiveness for one another, even as God in Christ had forgiveness for you.”

An elementary school teacher used toothpaste to demonstrate to her class the power of words and kindness.

Life is often an unfair experience, with some people experiencing more than their fair share of troubles, hurt and heartache. We’ll all go through periods that cause pain, sorrow and grief. Unfortunately, that’s simply a part of being a human and living on Earth.

That’s why it’s so important and necessary to be kind whenever given the opportunity. We can never be sure what someone else is going through and enduring. A kind word or friendly gesture may be just the thing an individual needs to get that person through the day. We might never realize how big of an impact our words or actions made on someone else, but that’s why how we treat others is so important.

In a clip posted on social media, an inventive and creative fourth-grade teacher incorporated a tube of toothpaste into her lesson plan. Seconds into the video, viewers learn that the young woman is trying to convey to her students the importance of the words we say to one another.

She even gives her students a rule when interacting and talking with someone.

“If somebody can’t change something about themselves in 30 seconds or less, then you shouldn’t be mentioning it to them,” she tells her students.

She gives the students examples of what she means, such as telling someone their shoe is untied or their pants are unzipped.

She adds that commenting on someone’s hairstyle, hair color or body is much harder to change, and those judgmental words could potentially be hurtful to someone.

Before the clip ends, the teacher opens the tube of toothpaste and begins squeezing, causing the toothpaste to come out and land all over her desk. She then hurries and tries to put the toothpaste back into the tube, but she has no success.

She likens trying to put the toothpaste back in the tube to the words that come from our mouths. Once those words are said, they can never go back in, so choose them wisely.

Proverbs 21:23 “He who keeps watch over his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles.”

Shaquille O'Neal, or simply "Shaq," is more than just a basketball legend; he's a beacon of generosity and kindness, embodying the spirit of being the hands and feet of Jesus to those around him. In a recent interview on the "Be Better Off Show," Shaq shared a heartwarming story that epitomizes his commitment to uplifting others through acts of benevolence.

Reflecting on his early business ventures, Shaq recalled feeling sidelined in meetings due to his lack of a degree. Determined to break through barriers and support those in similar situations, Shaq embarked on a journey to further his education. Returning to Louisiana State University to complete his undergraduate studies, he earned a Bachelor's degree in 2000, all while continuing to excel on the basketball court.

But Shaq's pursuit of knowledge didn't stop there. Opting to earn his Master's degree from the University of Phoenix, Shaq made a profound decision that would impact the lives of others. Despite the institution's predominantly online format, Shaq advocated for in-person instruction, ensuring that 15 individuals could enroll alongside him. By generously covering their tuition, Shaq provided his friends with the opportunity to pursue their educational dreams, embodying the principle of giving back and being a blessing to others. Can you imagine how life-changing his act of kindness was to those 15 classmates?

Yet, Shaq's journey of giving didn't end with education. In 2012, he achieved a monumental milestone by earning a doctoral degree in education (Ed.D.) from Barry University Florida. This remarkable achievement, fueled by Shaq's commitment to lifelong learning and his mother's influence, serves as a testament to his unwavering dedication and generosity of spirit.

Beyond his academic endeavors, Shaq's acts of kindness and entrepreneurial ventures continue to make a profound impact on communities worldwide. Whether through his charitable initiatives or his infectious spirit of kindness, Shaq exemplifies what it means to be the hands and feet of Jesus, spreading love and compassion wherever he goes.

Acts 20:35 "In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

One man, a Good Samaritan, lent a hand and helped an elderly gentleman and helped him with his yard work.

We can all be kinder, more patient and nicer to one another. Even the kindest, most caring individual can do more for others. There is plenty of need in this fallen world; look around you to confirm this statement.

While we may fall far short of the mark, we can always try to be kinder, more patient and give others more grace. A little bit of kindness can and will go a long way. We may never see the end results that our unexpected act of kindness had on someone else, but we can rest assured that it did make a difference.

Unexpected acts of kindness can take all shapes, sizes and forms. A video posted on social media lending a hand and taking time to help a senior citizen with yard work. The minute-and-a-half video starts with the elderly man working in his yard. It appears he’s trying to cut down some stubborn blades of grass.

Seconds into the clip, a much younger man carrying a weed eater walks into the frame, crosses the road and helps the senior citizen with those pesky weeds.

The elderly man’s actions show that he was taken aback by the Good Samaritan. He looks up, immediately stops what he’s doing and takes a few steps back, giving the younger man room to work in the yard.

The video's description, which the Good Samaritan’s wife posted, states that her husband pulled the car over, hopped out and got to work.

That act of kindness may not have been massive or something that would set a world-changing revolution in motion, but it likely meant the world to that elderly gentleman. A little kindness here and there can have a massive impact on someone’s day, week and even life.

Ephesians 4:32 “And be kind to one another, full of pity, having forgiveness for one another, even as God in Christ had forgiveness for you.”

The first in a series of short stories from 29 years as pastor, as well as nearly four decades of ministry in education, working with the homeless, in correctional facilities, and life in general.

In a heartwarming display of kindness, two police officers turned a routine 911 call into a heartwarming celebration with a cupcake and candles for a special needs man named Chris on his 25th birthday. Instead of merely responding to the call at midnight, Officers Israel and Frank went above and beyond to ensure that Chris felt special on his special day.

When Chris dialed 911, he had a simple request: He wanted someone to wish him a happy birthday. Little did he know that his call would prompt a heartwarming response that would touch the hearts of millions, even though it was the early hours of the morning. 

Upon arriving at Chris' home, Officers Israel and Frank knew they couldn't "show up empty-handed." They stopped at a store to pick up some treats, including a cupcake, candles, and warm wishes.

As captured by the officer's body cam, the surprise encounter unfolded with smiles and laughter. Chris greeted the officers with a smile as they presented him with the birthday treats. They sang "Happy Birthday" as Chris beamed with joy, blowing out the candles with enthusiasm.

The simple act of kindness brought tears to Chris' eyes as he thanked the officers for making his birthday unforgettable. At that moment, he felt appreciated and loved, surrounded by the warmth of strangers who had gone out of their way to make him feel special.

This heartwarming gesture reminds us of the power of kindness and compassion in our everyday lives. As Proverbs 11:25 reminds us, "A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed." In this instance, Officers Israel and Frank exemplified the true spirit of generosity, bringing joy and happiness to Chris on his birthday.

Their actions serve as a poignant reminder that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a profound impact on others. As we navigate life's challenges, let us always strive to extend kindness and compassion to those around us, spreading love and joy wherever we go.

Proverbs 11:25 "A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.

A sweet and lovable pup who was caught on camera being abandoned has found a loving new home.

Animals are unique and fascinating beings. As all pet owners know, animals are different. Each animal possesses a personality, a set of habits and quirks unique to them. Like no two humans are precisely 100 percent alike, the same can be said for animals.

While they are different in many areas, one trait they all share is the ability to find their way into your heart. Spend a few days or even a couple of hours with a cat or a dog, and you’ve got a dear friend, someone you can’t imagine living life without. 

However, there are still some people in this world who cruelly and callously abandon their pets. They choose to do this even when there are many other, better and more humane options. 

A clip posted on YouTube shows a lovable pet being left to fend for itself in a parking lot. The sad, scared and confused pet is seen chasing after the car and the person who just dumped and left the canine in a parking lot by itself. 

Luckily, a kindhearted person saw the dog in the parking lot move and acted instead of ignoring it. When she approached the dog, the woman said the animal was so happy to see someone.

“She was so happy, she was so sweet,” Priscilla Garvey said. “She was like, jumping up on me and was just so lovable.”

Later, the clip points out, Priscilla noticed that the dog’s abandonment and its desperate and heartbreaking move to catch the vehicle and the person who left her. 

After Priscilla posted the heartbreaking footage of the puppy’s abandonment on social media, the dog was driven across the country to her new home in North Carolina. 

“When I saw her video, I truly connected with her and decided, come heck or high water, she would be ours,” Meredith Gintzig-Hayes said. 

Proverbs 12:10 “An upright man has thought for the life of his beast, but the hearts of evildoers are cruel."

A kind note from a customer was enough to bring a Starbucks employee to tears, meaning more to her than that customer would have ever imagined.

Life can be a painful experience, dealing people blow after blow. A lot of people, on any given day, are going through something. Most of those individuals are hurting, struggling and fighting a battle, often in complete silence. 

They may not tell a single soul of their present hurt or heartache. That’s why instances of simple and unexpected kindness can have massive, widespread and even life-changing outcomes. We can never be too sure how much our actions will impact the lives of those around us, for good or bad.

One Starbucks employee posted on TikTok to explain how a customer’s unexpected kind note and the money inside the note changed her life. 

The woman begins by explaining that she works the early-morning shift at Starbucks and absolutely loves her job. She states that one morning, she noticed a customer who appeared to be struggling. The woman in the video indicates that she went out of her way “to get her smiling.”

Then, minutes later, something unexpected happened. 

The customer handed the manager a note with orders to give it to the happy, cheerful Starbucks employee. The customer’s note thanked the woman for her pleasant demeanor, saying she was the first person who had been kind to her in that city. 

In the customer's note, there was also $200. Little did the customer know that the kind Starbucks employee had recently lost her mother and that money would allow her to purchase an urn for her mother’s remains. She was struggling with this and worrying about how to come up with the money to buy one. 

This sweet and touching video exemplifies how much a little act of kindness can change someone’s life for the better. God can use the smallest, seemingly insignificant act for good. 

Ephesians 4:32 “And be kind to one another, full of pity, having forgiveness for one another, even as God in Christ had forgiveness for you.”

A 4-year-old girl’s unexpected act of kindness dramatically changed an elderly man’s life.

There is a reaction to every action. Sometimes, those reactions and repercussions are simple, mundane and nothing too surprising. As we all know, that is usually what happens. However, sometimes, our simple, seemingly meaningless actions can have a massive impact, leading to a drastic and literal life change for someone. 

A video posted on TikTok explains how a young lady’s simple actions in a grocery store changed the life of an elderly man. Dan Peterson, an 82-year-old man, had recently lost his wife and was experiencing a deep depression. 

In the clip, Dan admits that he wasn’t really living and was waiting to die. For Dan, this dark period lasted for six months.  

But a trip to the supermarket changed everything and led to a lifelong friendship.

The 4-year-old, Norah Wood, while sitting in a shopping cart, reached out to Dan and then asked him for a hug. 

“This is the first time, for quite a while, that I’ve been this happy,” he said.

After that initial hug in the supermarket, the child started visiting Dan at his house once a week. 

“She opened me to a love that I didn’t know existed,” Dan said. 

Sadly, Dan passed away, and Norah was at this funeral, holding back tears.

A young woman’s simple action changed and brightened up a man’s entire life. We never truly know how much our actions could impact someone else’s life.

Telling those around us we love and appreciate them is excellent and should be something we all do regularly. However, those words are empty if we’re not really willing to back them up with any action. Actions really do speak much louder than words, and can change someone's life. 

1 John 3:18 “My little children, do not let our love be in word and in tongue, but let it be in act and in good faith.”

A groom brought his wife-to-be to tears while standing at the altar, surprising her by including her students with Down syndrome in their wedding ceremony.

Weddings are beautiful and often emotional events. They are a significant ceremony and moment in every couple’s life. They are when two people stand before God, their family and friends, exchanging vows and committing to remain together no matter what life throws at them.

With such significance involved in and attached to a wedding ceremony, it is entirely clear and understandable why someone may become emotional. It’s literally a life-changing event. 

Yes, the bride and groom exchanging vows and saying, “I do,” is the most important aspect of a wedding ceremony. However, plenty of opportunities can and do take on an added significance during the ceremony. 

In a clip posted on social media, a groom used an often overlooked and mundane part of a wedding to bring his bride to tears as they stood at the altar together. He involved the bride’s students with Down syndrome as flower girls and ring bearers. 

Understandably, when the bride figured out what was happening, she immediately became overwhelmed, brushing away tears from her eyes. The children fitted in their best formal wear as they walked down the aisle and met their teacher and her future husband at the altar.

But the child didn’t just drop off their flowers and hand off the ring and take a seat. The video shows the bride and groom interacting with and thanking the children for participating in their big day.

It’s such a beautiful and touching moment. Even the most stoic and unemotional person would have difficulty not bawling their eyes out at that sweet and loving scene. 

1 John 4:18 “There is no fear in love: true love has no room for fear, because where fear is, there is pain; and he who is not free from fear is not complete in love.”

A group of nurses recognized and helped their co-worker celebrate her graduation with a sweet and touching gesture.

Anyone alive for any significant amount of time knows life is full of requirements and obligations. We all have jobs, family commitments and other things that constantly pull us in a hundred different directions. This is a simple fact of life; everyone knows and understands it. 

Of course, when everyone has so many obligations and requirements, some hard choices sometimes must be made. Some things are prioritized, while others must fall by the wayside or be ignored altogether. Family and work obligations sometimes precede things deemed less critical, like walking in your graduation ceremony.

However, a special and loving group of nurses would not let their co-worker miss walking in graduation. A short video posted on social media shows a young woman walking to the desk for an “emergency.”

But when she arrived, there was no emergency. Instead, she attended a makeshift graduation ceremony thrown by caring nurses in a hospital. Once the young woman reached the desk, she was immediately met by another woman who placed a “graduation cap and gown” on her. 

She responds to the unexpected ceremony with a series of big smiles. The graduate is then sent on a walk through a hospital hallway lined with her co-workers clapping and celebrating her educational achievement.

According to the video’s caption, the young woman in the video was set to accept her master’s degree as the valedictorian of her class. Unfortunately, duty called, and she could not attend the ceremony. But her loving co-workers showed her how much they love and appreciate her.

That sweet gesture from those nurses helps bond people together, making them more than co-workers. People who know they are loved and appreciated at work will do more and stay longer than someone who feels they are simply filling a role or a job. 

Ephesians 4:32 “And be kind to one another, full of pity, having forgiveness for one another, even as God in Christ had forgiveness for you.”

One student’s love and generosity toward a hungry man resulted in a very unexpected blessing.

Anyone who believes that hunger is no longer an issue is badly mistaken. Sadly, some still are forced to go without food every day. Believe it or not, some of those individuals live in the United States. Yes, in the country where people develop diseases and conditions from overeating food, there are other Americans who fail to consume an adequate amount of food. 

Many organizations are dedicated to feeding the hungry and eradicating food insecurity. Every little bit helps; everything can make a difference in someone’s life. 

The only motivating factor when helping others should be improving someone’s life. However, as one clip on social media beautifully demonstrates, helping someone in need can have massive, unforeseen personal positive consequences. 

The short, minute-and-a-half clip begins with one man approaching a student sitting at a table studying. The man approached the student and asked him if he had any food. He was looking for something to eat because he was starving.

Immediately, the student shows great concern for the hungry man. He looks through his backpack, but when he comes up empty, he offers to take him to a nearby Tim Horton’s and “buy whatever you want.”

The student informs the hungry man that his parents taught him to “not keep anyone hungry.” He is bound and determined to buy this man food, so they go to the coffee shop. 

It’s also revealed that this student has been away from his family for eight months and has been unable to see them during that time because of travel expenses. 

The student buys the man the largest coffee they sell. Immediately, the hungry man—who was not actually hungry—repays the student for showing him love and kindness.

He gave the student $2,000 to see his family in India. 

The clip ends with the two sharing a loving embrace. 

Ephesians 4:32 “And be kind to one another, full of pity, having forgiveness for one another, even as God in Christ had forgiveness for you.”

Actor Ryan Reynolds had what is likely the sweetest conversation with a child during a visit to the hospital.

Life is often an unkind and unfair experience. Some people are given pretty bad cards and can do nothing but play the hand they were dealt. Some people are given more than their fair share of issues and problems. They are forced to endure terrible situations. 

Those sad, horrible and unavoidable circumstances may involve cancer or some other disease or condition. It’s always awful to watch a loved one go through something like that, knowing that there is little to nothing you can do to ease their pain. But it’s made much worse when the person inflicted with a debilitating or life-threatening medical condition is a child.

While we may not be able to alleviate their pain, we can still offer them love and kindness. That’s precisely what actor Ryan Reynolds did when he visited a hospital and visited with a young lady who had just undergone a bowel transplant.

In a clip posted on social media, the “Deadpool” actor kneeled and leaned onto Bella’s hospital bed, and the two had a cute and lengthy conversation. Topics included in their discussion included video games, hospital food and Bella’s surgery.

“Bella, did you have the transplant yet?” Ryan asks her.

“Yep,” she responds.

“And how’d it go?” he follows up. 

“I can walk,” Bella says.

Later in their conversation, Bella adds that she can now eat, and her favorite food is a roast beef sandwich served by the hospital. 

Ryan also asked the young lady how she handles a situation like that when she is about to undergo a massive surgery. Surprisingly, the little girl states in a way that shows it doesn’t affect her much at all. She does it. 

What a strong little girl who has obviously been through so much but has not let it phase her. 

Ephesians 4:32 “And be kind to one another, full of pity, having forgiveness for one another, even as God in Christ had forgiveness for you.”