Hope for the Future

 

A popular trend among 10-18-year-olds is called “rage bating.” A person intentionally does or says something to make someone angry, so they can witness their reaction. Piper Malavansos, a 14-year-old attending Spring Branch Middle School in Houston, Texas, decided her friends and generation could do and be better than that. They have started “JOY BAITING” where the purpose is to spread joy by offering genuine compliments. Instead of tearing people down, they are encouraging and building them up. Piper’s grandmother, Maurine Richter, comments, “I absolutely LOVE that Piper wants to turn something negative into something beautiful! What a wonderful reminder that even the smallest act of kindness can make a difference.”

During the early hours of the morning, five New Jersey high school seniors met to shovel the snow for a lady in their neighborhood. Although the city cleared the streets, the young men wanted to make sure the neighbor’s driveway was clear so she would be able to go for her dialysis treatment that morning.

 

At 12 years of age, Jude Baker was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma. He has endured treatments, since February of 2024, and was recently able to ring the bell to signify the end of treatment. Jude is now in remission and was granted a wish from Make-A-Wish Foundation. On his way back and forth to the hospital, he had noticed the homeless people. Instead of a trip to a ball game or Disney World, Jude asked Make-A-Wish Georgia to provide hot meals, sleeping bags, and backpacks filled with essential items for the homeless people camped near the hospital. Jude stated, “I wanted to help them out because I was in a bad situation and they were too.” Impressed by Jude’s kindness and generosity, business owners Kevin Godfrey and Tripp Watwood held a fundraiser to raise money for a special trip for Jude and his family.

 

May we be willing to learn from, encourage, and support the tender, uplifting, generous hearts and actions of the upcoming generations.

 

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Ephesians 4:29

 

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Spurring One Another On

 

Acacia B. had stopped to get gas at the Exxon station on the corner of Villa Maria and Harvey Mitchell in College Station, Texas. After filling up and paying inside, she noticed a young lady trying to get her attention. She kept pointing to a piece of paper tucked under the windshield wiper. As Acacia went to retrieve the paper, the lady got in her car and drove off. As she unfolded the paper, she read, “God put it on my heart to give you this! Have a good day!” Folded into the note was a $1oo bill. What the giver didn’t know was that Acacia had been fighting Stage 4 cancer for a year and had been without work for five months, due to the treatments. She relayed the story to Rusty Surrette, in hopes that the lady would see his post and know how appreciative she was of the random act of kindness. She wrote, “To the young lady who left me the letter and gift: I wish I could tell you in person how much your kindness touched my heart. Your gift lifted a weight off my shoulders and eased a stress that I have been carrying for quite some time. Please know that I am beyond grateful. Your generosity came at a time when I needed it more than you could ever know. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. You made a difference in my life today, and I will never forget it.”

While a college student, Allie Reimold signed up to be a bone marrow donor. A few years later, a call came that she was a match for a man with leukemia. Allie went through the process to donate her bone marrow to David Whitson, a United Airlines pilot. The transplant for successful and Whitson was able to resume his career as a pilot. One day, David noticed that Allie was flying out of Houston. He asked permission from the crew of her flight to make an announcement. Whitson picked up the microphone and told the passengers, “Someone on board saved my life. My body now produces blood from her donated cells, even changing my blood type. She is a true hero. One simple decision gave a stranger the greatest gift of all: more years to live.” Whitson then went to Allie’s seat and gave her a hug. The passengers burst into applause.

 

May we, too, be willing to spur others on to do good works and in turn be spurred on by observing what others do.

 

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,

Hebrews 10:24

 

Worth the Time and Effort

 

Justin and his friends had a decision to make. Due to religious beliefs, a boy in their class was not allowed to dress up for Halloween. Not wanting their classmate to be left out, seven students dressed as Secret Service agents and let their classmate come as the President.

For over 10 years, Charlie Hicks, 78, ate lunch and dinner at the Shrimp Basket in Pensacola, Florida. He became family to the staff and chefs. When Charlie missed a few days, chef Donell Stallworth drove to his apartment to check on him. No one opened the door, but Donell heard a faint voice calling from inside. He was able to get in the door and found Charlie lying on the floor. The chef immediately called for help. Charlie had two broken ribs and was severely dehydrated. When he was ready to be discharged from the hospital, the staff and chefs helped Charlie move into the apartments next door to the restaurant, so they could check up on him.

 

Ed Moseley, 86, lives in a retirement community. The staff and residents joined a challenge to make tiny hats for newborns. Even though he had never knitted, the retired engineer wanted to participate. Ed asked his daughter to purchase the beginning supplies: a loom kit, yarn, and tools. After a few attempts, Mr. Moseley made a hat he was pleased with. The retirement community, friends, and family contributed 300 tiny hats, with Ed making 55. They gifted them to the neonatal intensive care unit at Northside Hospital in Atlanta. Ed then made larger hats for his grandchildren.

 

To help clean up litter, Dave Jordan uses a powerful magnet to fish out trash in River Nene in England. One day he was joined by teenager Ryan Davenport. As they removed trash, Ryan pulled out a sealed blue metal case, with an Exemplary Service Medal for 32 years of dedicated service with the Northamptonshire Police Department. It had Geoffrey’s name and badge number on it. With the help of his family, Ryan was able to locate the officer’s family and made plans to return the medal. The award had been stolen from Geoffrey’s home the previous year. Although he was dealing with Alzheimer’s, Geoffrey’s face lit up when he was presented with his treasured medal and case.

 

May we, too, take the time and make the effort to help and encourage others.

 

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Colossians 3:12