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“When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.” Proverbs 31:26 (NLT)
A Story by Libby, Mother of Two
Last December, just before Christmas, my tests results confirmed what I feared.
I have breast cancer.
I was very realistic about the journey I was about to take, but surprisingly, I also felt the calming influence of God in my life. I knew He was going to use this challenge for good – I just didn’t know all the details!
I’m grateful the really difficult chemo infusions are behind me. I’m on a lighter dose weekly schedule now. Yet last week, even though I felt great, my white blood cell count was too low for treatment. I was disappointed, but I soon came to realize this perceived set-back was truly a divine intervention. Before leaving the office, a nurse stopped me with a simple request, “Libby, would you mind taking a couple minutes to talk to a new patient on the unit?”
She explained how this young mother of a one-month old baby was just beginning treatments and overcome by the unknowns; losing her hair, dealing with the tiredness of motherhood, and handling the emotional side effects. Even though this woman’s husband was right by her side, their eyes reflected a story of utter despair.
A couple minutes turned into ninety.
I spent an hour and a half talking with them and knew this was my purpose for that day. Yes, God is so amazing! I was grateful to be used by Him to listen with my heart as these young parents expressed their fears. In that room, the Holy Spirit prompted me to reach out in kindness, to offer comfort, to share wisdom, to encourage, and to provide a glimpse of hope. Cancer’s not fun, but I’m continually amazed by the many blessings this detour has added to my life. I am reminded how my life evolves according to His timing and not my own.
Conversation Starters
- Is there someone you know that may be struggling with a long-term illness? If so, how could you reach out in kindness to that person?
- Kindness starts in the home and then moves outward to touch the lives of others. Name two acts of kindness you can do for your family.
- Name two acts of kindness you can do at school or for someone in your neighborhood.
An Adult Perspective
The bible is filled with stories of Jesus, and ordinary people, extending kindness to others. Most people have heard the story of the Good Samaritan. At that time, the Samaritans and the Jews felt a bitter and mutual dislike for each other. Yet, a Samaritan man reached out to help a Jewish man who had been attacked, robbed, and left to die. Earlier that day, two respected religious leaders had walked by without even bothering to stop. The Samaritan’s kindness crossed the ethnic barriers of that culture. Today the phrase “Good Samaritan” is used to describe any person who goes out of his way to help another.
Libby’s kindness took the form of a listening ear and heartfelt wisdom from a voice of experience. She took time from her day to offer encouragement to others. Do you take advantage of opportunities to extend kindness to others, or are you often too busy to notice a plea for compassion? Challenge yourself to be kind; to be gentle with your words and helpful in meeting the needs of others. Be a Good Samaritan to the people in your life.
Kindness is contagious! Pass it on!
