By Lisa Wilmore
Blessings, Dear hearts!
I greet you in the only Name that matters, and that Name is Jesus the Christ!
Every day brings opportunities to “Astonish a mean world with acts of kindness,” -whether through a smile, a listening ear, or a word of encouragement. The mere surprise of your kindness will bring a beam of brightness to someone’s face and perhaps lift a burdened heart. Sometimes, the smallest gestures can have the greatest impact.
Our above-noted title for this message is derived from Maya Angelou’s poem “Continue” written for Oprah Winfrey as a birthday tribute. Angelou penned, “My wish for you is that you continue to be who and how you are to astonish a mean world with your acts of kindness.” These words are more than just poetry; they are words each of us should strive to display every day of our lives.
With this in mind, I recall, a few months ago, while walking through one of my favorite local stores, I passed a young man in a wheelchair who called himself “M&M,” which is short for “Miracle Man.” As I walked by, he called out, “Do you want to hear my story!?” At first, I hesitated. I was in a hurry and focused on getting items I needed in order to get to my next destination. But I stopped, said yes, and listened. Surprisingly, this young man shared with me the incident that left him bound to a wheelchair, and he spoke about the challenges he faced. He also shared how God had blessed him and how grateful he was that God spared his life. While standing there in the moment, his mother joined us and explained why he chose the name M&M. In that moment, I realized that kindness is not always about giving money or fixing problems. Sometimes, it is simply offering your time, attention, and heart. People often just need the kindness of a listener.
Remarkably, the Bible reminds us that a virtuous person speaks with wisdom and kindness (Proverbs 31), that love is patient and kind (1 Corinthians 13:4-7), and that kindness benefits the giver (Proverbs 11:17).
My friends, kindness is a choice. It does not require grand gestures but a willingness to be present and open-hearted. The encounter with ‘Miracle Man’ reminded me that one small act of kindness not only blessed me in that moment but can also astonish a mean world through a spirit of kindness. As followers of Jesus, we are called to reflect His love in every interaction. Jesus listened, showed compassion, and valued the hearts of those around Him. By stopping to hear someone’s story, offering patience, and extending understanding, we bless others and honor God. Let us commit to “Astonish a mean world with acts of kindness,” knowing that even the simplest gesture, like listening with love, can make an eternal difference.
I love you with the heart of Jesus Christ!
Jesus Saves!
