Good Samaritans

A courageous 8-year-old girl wielded a bat as she helped to thwart a robbery attempt.

Sin corrupts and destroys everything that it touches and encounters. As a result, evil and hate most certainly exist in this world. We simply cannot and will not be able to escape being around sin as long as we remain in this world. Unfortunately, we see examples of evil and hate daily on television news broadcasts or websites.  

Crime, as everyone knows, is a by-product of sin. People, usually through force, will destroy or attempt to take something from others. Crime, despite the efforts of police officers or lawmakers, will never be eradicated. Sadly, it’s something that will always be with us.

However, one brave little girl was not going to let herself or her father become a crime victim. The surveillance video posted on YouTube shows how the little girl stepped up in a big way to stop a man with nothing but nefarious intentions.

The clip shows a would-be robber and the owner of a liquor store on the floor in a violent brawl. The clip’s description states that the criminal walked up to the register carrying a BB gun. After a few moments into their interaction, the suspect came behind the register and approached the store owner, which led to the two of them on the floor.

But the store’s owner got some help from his 8-year-old daughter. The little girl can be seen on camera carrying a baseball bat, walking up to the suspect on the ground and then taking a few healthy swings at him.

The clip mentions that after the child hit the suspect with the bat, the suspect fled the scene.

In an interview, the child’s father mentioned that he was proud of his brave daughter and mystified at how she could carry such a heavy bat.

Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and take heart, and have no fear of them: for it is the Lord your God who is going with you; he will not take away his help from you.”

A 15-year-old is a hero after she rescued two children and a dog from a fire.

Hero is a word that gets tossed around too much in society today. Seemingly, anyone and everyone is a hero or does something heroic, and the price of earning such a title is relatively low. Actors and actresses who read lines written for them, athletes and loud, boisterous politicians who promise to do one thing and then do the exact opposite are often referred to as heroes.

Can we all agree that not everyone is a hero? Heroes sacrifice and put other people first. Politicians, athletes and actors rarely, if ever, meet that threshold, often falling way short of the mark.

However, one young woman, 15-year-old Savannah Strother, is the very definition of a hero. She put herself in danger when she helped rescue others from a dangerous and potentially deadly situation. Her quick actions saved the lives of two young children and a canine.

In the clip posted on YouTube, Savannah, who was babysitting at the time of her heroic rescue, holds one child as she opens the front door. Flames can be seen just outside the home. It’s a frightening scene, for sure.

After quickly assessing the situation, Savannah orders the other child, who walks up behind her and the dog, to get out of the house. She continually yells at the child in the house, “Come on, come on!”

She eventually grabs the child by the hand, pulling him forward as all three and the dog go outside to safety.

The clip also mentions that the children Savannah saved were 1 and 3 years old.

In an interview, the young woman said everything at that moment was a “blur” and that she could only remember “feeling the heat on my back.”

One fire official called Savannah’s brave act “amazing.”

“It’s really amazing what she was able to do, especially for a 15-year-old, to not panic and to be able to get the kids out safely before the fire spread to that house,” he said. “It’s really unbelievable.”

Joshua 1:9: “Have I not given you your orders? Take heart and be strong; have no fear and do not be troubled; for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

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.”

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."

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 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.”

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson took some time to fulfill a unique and gut-wrenching Make-A-Wish request in a heartwarming social media post.

We all experience situations and circumstances that result in pain, sorrow and grief. Some of these instances might push us to our breaking point, causing us to wonder if we have the ability to keep going. Sadly, and unfortunately, that’s part of being human.

But no matter what we may experience, no situation is worse, providing a bigger punch to the gut than hearing about a sick, hurting and suffering child. Children are supposed to be outside running around, having fun and playing with friends. They aren’t meant to be lying in a hospital bed.

In a clip posted on social media, The Rock explained a special situation in which he was helping to grant a special wish, a “rush wish.” A rush wish, as he described it, is sadly what it sounds like. The child does not have much time remaining.

The child, 4-year-old Lilly Guerrero, loves the Disney animated film “Moana.” The young woman watches the beloved movie all day, every day. Her wish was for The Rock to sing “You’re Welcome” to her, and that’s precisely what he did.

Before starting his musical performance, The Rock says he’s sitting at the piano but soon remembers that he’s not that great on the instrument. Instead, he sings along to pre-recorded music.

He gives the sweetest, most touching performance for 4-year-old Lily. It’s one that the precious little girl is sure to love.

In the post’s caption, The Rock writes to Lily, “I love you, and I want you to always know just how special you are.”

It’s a beautiful thing that people who are so visible and popular, like The Rock, will take time out of their hectic schedules to make children’s dreams come true.

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.”

In the peaceful town of Enosburgh, Vermont, a bear-y unusual rescue mission captured the community’s heart and their funny bone. Wildlife officials rescued a bear with a milk can around its neck for weeks! One of nature’s large and curious creatures recently found itself in a rather sticky situation. Early this spring, locals noticed a black bear sporting a metal milk can around its neck, looking ready to join a space mission. The sight stirred a potent mix of worry and empathy among the townspeople.

Determined to bear the responsibility of helping the distressed animal, the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department sprang into action. Wildlife specialists, game wardens, biologists, and volunteers united to craft a careful plan to free the bear. But let’s be honest—trapping a bear is no picnic—it’s more like a barbecue. Keeping their eyes sharp and paws crossed, they finally caught the bear.

After weeks of bear-y hard work and anticipation, the moment of truth finally arrived. The bear, perhaps lured by the promise of a can-free life, was caught in one of the traps. A team swiftly sedated the bear, covering its eyes and snout with a cloth to keep it calm while carefully cutting away the metal can.

A heartwarming video shared by the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department documented the moment of liberation. The bear, initially disoriented and possibly pondering its next snack, quickly realized its newfound freedom and darted into the safety of the woods.

This bear-y happy ending highlighted the power of human kindness and community spirit. As it is written in Proverbs 12:10, "The righteous care for the needs of their animals." This scripture was truly lived out in Enosburgh as people worked tirelessly to ensure the bear's well-being.

The bear's ordeal brought the community closer, showcasing the enduring spirit of both human and animal residents of this picturesque Vermont town. The once-distressed bear now symbolizes hope and the power of collective compassion in making the world a bear-ter place.

Proverbs 12:10, "The righteous care for the needs of their animals."

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.

Check out this heartwarming story about retired Eagles star Jason Kelce, granting the final wish for a dying fan and her family.

Mary Lou Carey was a huge Eagles fan and had a soft spot for former center Jason Kelce.

“She called him her young boyfriend,” said Jill Carey, the daughter of Mary Lou.

Mary Lou's dying wish was to be buried in her Jason Kelce jersey. When her family heard this, they knew they wanted to make it even more special for her. That’s when they took to Facebook to see if anyone could connect them to Jason Kelce to see if he could sign the jersey.

Not only did Jason Kelce end up signing the jersey that Mary Lou was eventually buried in, but many other Eagles players signed it as well. And the family was able to get the jersey back in time for Mary Lou’s funeral, complete with signatures from the players of her favorite team. What a sweet act of kindness!

“He’s all about the fans and the community,” shared Jill about Jason Kelce. “He goes the extra mile. And that’s why everyone loves him.”

Many people shared online their appreciation of Jason Kelce when they heard about this news story.

“Jason Kelce has a heart of gold!” one person wrote on YouTube.

“What a genuinely great man!” another person commented online. “Thank you, Jason Kelce. Your kindness and empathy will always be with her family. You’re a legend in all of the best ways. #62!”

Jill Carey also shared some sweet sentiments about her mom online and why she was such a big fan of Jason Kelce. “My mom was a truly wonderful woman. She would always do for others, expecting nothing in return, giving everything she had to whatever task she was doing, and working hard her entire life,” Jill Carey said. “I think that’s part of the reason she loved Jason so much. He is a true class act! He put a huge smile on her face in her last days, and seeing this done for her gave us some light during our sad time.”

What a great story that reminds us all of the importance of kindness and being there for your community.

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.

One Tennessee crossing guard has found a unique way of bringing smiles to the faces of those he serves every day!

There are careers that offer prestige or power, glamour, or financial freedom. Many jobs, though, are rather humdrum and decidedly unflashy. However, while a task or role may be lackluster, the person filling that job can make all the difference!  

Lenzo Thompson is a crossing guard in Rutherford County, Tennessee. For two years, he’s been making sure traffic near Christiana Middle School moves smoothly and kids get to the building safely. That’s a very important, and sometimes challenging, job. It’s a job to be taken seriously, but Lenzo adds a ton of personality and fun to the daily routine of drop-offs and pick-ups. 

You see, Lenzo dresses up in costume to celebrate holidays throughout the school year. He’s been Santa Claus at Christmas, Cupid on Valentine’s Day, and a leprechaun on St. Patrick’s Day. A staff favorite was a blue bunny outfit that he wore around Easter. 

Here, he’s wearing his awesome birthday suit—literally a suit. Covered in colorful balloons, his navy blue slacks and jacket are a hit. Lenzo adds a sash and crown to the lively ensemble. 

The video even shows him holding gallons of fruit drink while dressed in a furry brown getup. That might just be his big cat costume; Christiana Middle School is the home of the Cougars, after all! 

All of Lenzo’s costumes are top-notch! 

Mr. Thompson’s good work doesn’t end with his fashion choices. His work ethic is superior as well. Sgt. Dustin Cox of the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office praised Lenzo for a job well done, saying, “Lenzo comes to work sick. Lenzo — it doesn’t matter if it’s raining, cold, hot — Lenzo’s there and he does it with a smile on his face.”

Parents and kids love his enthusiasm, waving and greeting him on their way in and out each day. Those interactions mean a great deal to Lenzo. He shared with NewsChannel 5 Nashville, “When the kids start waving and everything, it makes me feel better, you know? It’s all about the kids for me.”

Lenzo’s reflective vest and gloves help keep him and others safe, and his costumes make the days brighter for all who go through his intersection. Taking pride in his work and sharing joy, he’s setting a great example for us all! 

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,” Colossians 3:23 

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."

Basketball star Caitlin Clark demonstrated unexpected kindness to a handful of her little fans.

Athletes are a group of people that many children gravitate toward. Children’s eyes stay glued to and remain focused on the screen whenever a game is shown on television. The youngsters are amazed by and in awe of their superior athletic ability and hope to emulate them and their skills on the field or court. 

Given their position, athletes are role models, whether they like it or not, with many eyes watching their every move. What an athlete says and does on and off the court can impact and influence children. That’s why what Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark did was so noteworthy.

In a clip posted on social media, Caitlin is at a red carpet event. She goes down the carpet as everyone snaps pictures of her every move. But instead of speaking to the media or posing for photos, she does something unexpected.

The young woman ducked under the rope that separated herself from the other people at the event who were trying to get a glimpse of the basketball star. After going underneath the barrier, Caitlin, with a big smile, walked right up to several young women wearing her No. 22 Indiana Fever jersey.

Caitlin begins signing autographs as the young ladies giggle, seemingly unable to believe she would take the time to greet and interact with them. 

Caitlin has scored more points than any person in NCAA basketball history, man or woman. She was the top pick in the WNBA draft and is arguably the most famous athlete on the planet. However, she still took the time to show a little kindness to a group of young women.

That is a moment those little kids will probably remember forever, and it had nothing to do with what Caitlin did on the basketball court.

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.”