Acts of Kindness: 5 Inspiring Examples of Compassion
By Olivia Stanley, Agape Life Contributor
updated Mon March 2, 2015
As children, many of us were taught about the importance of being generous and kind-hearted to others, whether it be by a caregiver, friend, or perhaps it was instilled in to us because of our faith. How easy it is to forget though, as we begin to go through the monotonous motions of the day, that a simple act of kindness for another can make a significant impact.
I will never forget the moment when I read Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s quote: “Life's most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?” I remember taking a step back to consider the importance of how we make others feel. Then, over time, I began to take steps forward to help others realize this concept too. In that spirit, here is
a list of four inspiring acts of compassion from 2015 and one unforgettable moment from 2014 to help inspire, restore lost faith and leave readers smiling.
5. NYC Hairstylist Helps the Homeless
Mark Bustos decided to try and inspire others by doing something different for the homeless. Mark, a hairstylist at an upscale salon in New York City, now spends his Sundays cutting the hair of the less fortunate. He began cutting and styling hair for the homeless without charge in 2012. Mark’s belief is that everyone deserves to feel confident. What an inspirational and innovative way to help those in distress!
4. Ten Dollars Goes Far
Earlier this year, Marilyn Benefield from Texas noticed a homeless lady sleeping unsheltered from the brutal winter’s conditions. Marilyn began by offering $10 dollars and then ended up coming back with a meal. She didn’t feel like she had done enough so that night she shared her experience on social media. By the end of the night, Marilyn’s family and friends pulled together funding for a motel room, clothing, food and toiletries. In this case, several people joined together to make a difference in one person’s life and it all began with just $10 dollars!
3. Pizza and Post Its
At Rosa’s Fresh Pizza in Philadelphia, one patron asked the owner if they could pass on a free slice of pizza to the next customer. This simple act of kindness led to a new program at Rosa’s. Now, for an extra dollar, customers can buy a slice for someone in need. Next, they can choose to write an inspirational note on a post-it and place it on the wall. Those who are hungry can then come in, grab a post-it and get their free slice of pizza. Rosa’s has been open a little over a year and has given 8,500 slices of free pizza away. The walls remain covered in post-its.
2. Free for the Taking
In the United States and Canada, a new trend has begun. In public places, scarves, hats, gloves and blankets are being left “for the taking” in the hopes that someone without can use these items to stay warm. In public parks across North America, trees in particular are “dressed” with signs attached urging others to accept the gift and help someone else.
1. Free Hugs
Twelve year old Devonte Hart held a sign offering “free hugs” during a Ferguson related rally in Oregon last year. In the midst of the tension brought on by Michael Brown’s murder at the hands of a police officer, Devonte offered a physical act of kindness to anyone who may need a hug. Who accepted? A police officer named Bret Barnum.
The last example is number one on this list because what transpired reminded a nation of humanity. It also brought to light that even if one does not have the means to give money, food or shelter – something as simple as a hug can bring comfort to those sharing the embrace and to a nation.
Kindness is something we can all afford to give and also something that we can all afford to receive. One simple act can change a life, a city, and a country’s perspective.