The Challenge

My dear friends and bloggers..I have a challenge for you, it is not something I thought up, actually the credit goes to Oprah Winfrey. Although I do not watch her on a regular basis, her challenge of being someone's angel of mercy has touched my life. One day as I was working a couple of years ago at a McDonald's Drive -Thru, a client in the drive-thru noticed the car behind hers was not in the best of shape. She, having a nicer vehicle took notice of their meager means and told me when she got to the window that she wanted to be someone's angel as Oprah had described on her show about showing kindness and giving to those in need without them necessarily knowing about it. She decided to pay for the young family's meal and for me to put it on her card and then wave them on thru. All she asked that I say to the family was to tell them Merry Christmas!

Today, I was at work at another restaurant when a driver's car got stuck in our drive thru. I went to my car in effort to jump hers off. Unfortunately for her, the problem was not the battery. The young woman looked stress and as if she was about to cry. I sat down with her for a couple of minutes and told her a couple of good mechanics she could go to that she could trust. I then told her that if her ride was not there by the time that I got off work I would gladly take her home. I told her not to worry that it would all work out, and to be thankful that she wasn't out of town when the car broke down or that she wasn't hurt in any way, it was a machine and can be fixed or replaced. She thanked me for my kindness and her ride showed up in plenty of time to take her home.

My challenge to everyone who cares to take it, is don't wait until the holidays to spread kindness and help to a person in need. I'm not saying to go out and purposely look for some stranger to help, but at the same time, I am saying that when the opportunity to help arises, then takethe initiative and help them, if you are able. Do not give your last dollar so that you don't havea meal for yourself in the morning, but do what you can in order to help.

I did have the misfortune that I had friend that was in need of groceries, and I did not have the money to feed her family because I hadn't been paid in three weeks due to a job change and my means were not enough to give to them and manage my own household, so I gave her the number to First Call for Help, United Way and another local organization that helps in those types of situations. Unfortunately, she was offended and angry because I didn't just give her money or the groceries and told me that if she had been of my faith, I would have had no problem just giving her the money. I am a single woman, and she has a family of three to feed. My income would not allow for me to offer her the assistance that she was demanding.

I am not saying to give until it hurts financially, I am saying to help a neighbor carry groceries into their home. Listen to a stranger that you perceive is upset. You may not be able to help their situation, but you could show some compassion and listen for a couple of minutes, maybe even give them an idea or two about how to fix their situation, or the number to the organization that would be able to render them some assistance.

Not everyone is in a bad way, but random acts of kindnesses to those that you see you could help, brings a smile not only to your face, but to theirs as well. This challenge is not for the holidays only, it is for everyday of the year! Think it's a good idea? Tell others about this challenge and pass it on!

Good Luck and God Bless to everyone willing to make someone smile today!