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Some months ago, I made a commitment to pray daily for three of my coworkers and to smile randomly at people in public. Yesterday after work I had several errands to run. The basics... grocery store, post office, gun shop, the typical stuff.

At the grocery store alone, I came across people who were absolutely rude, people who went out of their way to be polite, and some folks who appeared to be having a rough day.

It doesn't hurt to smile, to let someone go ahead of you in line, or to help an older person load a case of bottled water into their trunk. We as Americans, and I hate to say it, we as Christians are way too quick to stereotype.

We want to label people that are dressed a certain way as "trailer trash" or a young lady with a bi-racial child as some "hoochie mama" and assume they brought that life onto themselves. Maybe they did. Maybe they could have prevented some things. We don't know, therefore we should be slow to judge.

Everyone we meet is fighting a battle we know nothing about. Be kind always

May God add his blessing.

Yes, a little kindness can go a long way. At a drive-through a few days ago, I asked the young cashier how he was, and he actually answered: "Not good." I expressed sympathy over his having a bad day, and he startled me by saying. "You're a sweet lady." That immediately reminded me that I hadn't given him a tract, so I did, offering, "This could make your day better, and your whole life." Not to mention, his eternity.

You're right, Steve, some people are hurting, whether they show it or not.

"You know my name, not my story" comes to mind. Eye contact and a smile goes a long way.

I am glad you brought this up. May we all pursue the goals of being kind and smiling. It is often the most effective form of Christian witness. I am not speaking of being a doormat or someone's favorite victim for abuse. I speaking of those random opportunities that we can offer the compassion of Christ.

I came across a post on social media that struck home to me:

Some of the nicest people you meet have tattoos and some of the most judgmental people go to church every Sunday.

steve-in-kville wrote: ↑Wed Oct 27, 2021 6:06 am I came across a post on social media that struck home to me:

Some of the nicest people you meet have tattoos and some of the most judgmental people go to church every Sunday.

So true. I think the way you present yourself to other people, will be reflected back. If you project a kind and cheerful demeanor, people will respond to that in a positive manner.

Sometimes kindness costs quite a bit, but it is a mandate from the Lord.

Bill Rushby wrote: ↑Thu Oct 28, 2021 12:18 pm Sometimes kindness costs quite a bit, but it is a mandate from the Lord.

i believe i’m kind to people i meet. near+far.
what i’m happiest to be able to say is, people i meet, everywhere, locally, and when i travel to be with family, are very kind to me. many, i’m sure, live in poverty, the majority are “of color,” often bilingual or with no English, but i see people, no matter age, being kind - to each other.

i haven’t ever been this age before,
i didn’t know what to expect. what i find is pretty good. people IRL are pretty good. no matter age, ethnicity, socio-economic status. real life is encouraging.

A few days ago I met an older man who had two adopted children, both with disabilities, both now adults. He told me the story how the daughter had the mental and emotional maturity of a ten year old. A few years back a neighbor boy took advantage of her and she ended up with a baby, who now the grandparents are raising.

One might stop and pass judgement just at the above paragraph. I didn't. Instead I shared some of the struggles our family faced. We both walked away with a mutual understanding and respect. I'm convinced it takes more effort to be mean and nasty and judgmental than it does to show some kindness and love

This afternoon an unknown someone's kindness cost them something. My sister and I ate a late lunch at a restaurant out of town, and when I went to pay for mine, the cashier said that it was already paid for. I have no idea wo was the angel that did it (didn't see any familiar faces), but they sure were nice! They did it "unto the King."