The Life-Changing Power of Kindness!!!

It was at a women’s Bible study leaders’ meeting that I received an up close and personal glimpse at the healing power a simple act of kindness can have.

We were introducing ourselves around the living room, giving our names and little bit of info about our involvement in women’s Bible study when we got to one sweet lady, and she said as she pointed across the room, “I wouldn’t be here tonight if not for Regina.”  She told us the very first time she came to Bible study, she looked at the large room filled with smiling women in happy conversations and thought, “There is NO WAY I can fit into this.”  She turned around and as she was walking out the door, Regina ran up behind her and asked if there was anything wrong.   As she explained that she thought it wasn’t the right Bible study group for her, Regina put a kind hand on her arm and asked if she would just stay for one evening.  She then walked with her new friend back into the room and introduced her to a group of those smiling faces, delighted to have her at their table.   

And that was the moment that changed everything!  Since that evening, she has been not only attending Women's Tuesday Night Bible Study, but helping and leading in Women’s Ministry in our church and on top of all that, has many wonderful friendships as well!  The incredibly, life-changing power of kindness can do wonders!!!

 

Recently, I was blessed to hear Tammy Brown, a pastor at Sandal’s Church in Riverside speak on “kindness,” and the power practicing this one attribute can have on the lives of others…even the power to heal past wounds of rejection, abandonment and betrayal.  Tammy spoke that many times a “mean girl” attitude is masking fear and insecurity that is a direct result of hurt and anger over these very issues.  Here’s a different kind of “what if”...

”What if we became curious about what is causing the unkindness rather than returning unkindness for unkindness?”  That was the question Tammy posed to those attending the “Cultivate Kindness Conference,” because her hope is that as Christian women we would reject the “mean girl” culture that has us saying cliché statements such as:  “Girls are just really mean” and “I don’t like women,” and begin to cultivate a completely different attitude.
 

Isn’t that an awesome thought?  That Christ can have an impact on the lives of others who are suffering the wounds of rejection, abandonment and betrayal through our kindness?!?  And the truth is the more we focus on others and their pain, the more our own pain is healed.  It is the crazy wonderful way the Lord’s Kingdom works…give and it will be given to you, forgive and you will be forgiven. 

This week we will have a guest writer for the blog…my daughter, Kirsti.  Kirsti, along with being married to Ryan and mothering three VERY busy boys, is a Child Life Specialist at Loma Linda Hospital Pediatric Emergency Department.  The reason I asked if she would write for the blog this week is because she has been battling social anxiety caused by these fears that can sometimes keep her hostage, a battle she is determined to win.  She graciously agreed to tell her story.  So her post should be up within the next couple days.  You can read a little bit more about Kirsti here:  http://togetherweareonewisewoman.blogspot.com/2012/07/plastic-pearls.html

Blessings to you, sweet sisters!!!!!  May we walk out our lives with intentional kindness!!!

Cherri