Finding Goodness

 

After a morning of tests, Patrick Kelly stopped at Walmart to pick up some needed items. As a minister and counselor, Kelly is quick to notice people and their behaviors. As he was shopping, a couple in front of him peeked his attention. They were following another couple. The lady in the lead was on crutches and pulling an oxygen tank on a cart behind her. When the first couple stopped to look at an item, the second couple would stop and look at other items. After moving on, the second couple would put an item in their basket and continue to follow at a distance. Wanting to make sure the first couple was not being stalked, Patrick continued to follow both couples. Row by row, he noticed as the first couple picked up an item, then put it back on the shelf, the second couple would put it in their basket. Kelly realized he was witnessing “the innate goodness of people.” Before they approached the checkout counter, Patrick stopped the couple and said, “I know what you’re doing, and I wish more people would follow your lead!” The man responded, “We’re not judging, but we saw that they have nothing, she’s disabled, we have enough to help.” As the first couple approached the counter, the lady said, “We noticed you kept passing up things that are needed, so this basket is for you. We are paying for it!” The man continued to decline their offer until Kelly spoke up, “Excuse me for butting in, but I’m a minister and this couple is trying to answer God’s calling to pay it forward! And by accepting the gifts you are honoring what God has told them to do! So please accept the gift and later on you two can be the ones paying it forward!!” The lady on crutches was now crying. As they talked, information was shared that the lady had cancer and with the medical bills they only purchased what was necessary. The couples exchanged information and phone numbers. As they were leaving, the generous man reached into his windbreaker, pulled out an envelope and gave it to the man to help with medical expenses. The man was now crying as well. As the couple got in their car, Patrick asked the second couple what prompted them to be so observant and generous. “We’ve been blessed with a very large inheritance from her mother, and we like to go into stores, see someone needy and deserving and help them.” That morning, they left their home with five envelopes with $5,000 in each one. They had already blessed four people by paying for baskets of goods at Homeland, Target, Aldi, and Walmart and giving them an envelope with cash. Patrick was told there would be additional gifts to help the Walmart couple cover medical expenses.

Whether in big or small ways, may we also look for opportunities to do good and bless others.

 

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Galatians 6:10

Sharing Good News

 

Karlyn Pickens pitches for Tennessee and has openly shared her faith during the Women’s College World Series. Written on her glove is Psalm 18:32: “It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure.” When asked about it, she commented, “The verse serves as a constant reminder that my strength comes from God and that I am playing for a purpose greater than myself.”

Emma Clarke, playing for Tennessee, hit a walk-off home run vs. Texas Tech. As she began running the bases, Emma looked up, raised both arms, and pointed to the sky. She responded, “I immediately just looked up and started to give God all the glory.” When the spotlight was on her, Emma made sure God received the glory.

 

On her social media profile, Kendall Wells, from Texas Tech, is listed as “Daughter of the King.” When asked by a reporter, Kendall commented, “It means putting God first in everything no matter the circumstances. In the high or lows, He’s there. When things aren’t going my way, I rely on him above all.” Every morning, she prays for God to get into her head first, before anything else does.

 

NiJaree Canady has been a powerhouse pitcher for Texas Tech. She has consistently been vocal in sharing her faith. “I feel like the biggest thing for me is knowing softball is not my ride or die. I work hard for it, but at the end of the day my job here is to spread my faith to as many people as I can. Right now, I use softball to do that. This world’s not gonna be my final place. The end goal is to be with my Savior Jesus Christ, and I’m just using softball to spread that message. You can play freely, too, just knowing that. I’m relying more and more on my faith and knowing that this game doesn’t define me.”

 

Hat Creek Burger Company has 1 Corinthians 10:31 printed on their bags. “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

 

Lynsi Snyder is president of In-N-Out Burger. Since the 1990s, when her uncle Rich Snyder owned the business, scriptures have appeared on cups and wrappers. Soda cups have John 3:16, milkshake cups have Proverbs 3:5, and the hamburger wrappers have Revelation 3:20. During the Christmas Season, the cups have Isaiah 9:6 printed on them. Even when pressured to remove the Bible verses, Lynsi says, “They are not going anywhere. They are a tribute to Rich and the faith that shaped him.” As a Christian business owner, Snyder believes she needs to answer to her faith, quoting Matthew 5:16. “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

 

Whether through written word or spoken word, may we be ready to give an answer for the hope we have in Jesus.

 

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

1 Peter 3:15

Going the Extra Mile

Maybelle recently graduated with all-A honors. Being deaf, she worked hard for every grade. For the practice and actual ceremony, the schooled hired two interpreters, so Maybelle wouldn’t miss out on any of the instructions, announcements, speeches or names of her classmates. As Maybelle crossed the stage, the principal stopped and signed “Congratulations” before handing her the diploma. Her family commented, “Inclusion is not a policy statement. It is a principal learning to sign one word so a student feels seen at the most important moment of her school career.”

Last week, because of his generous and patriotic heart, Jim McIngvale “Mattress Mack” gave a free mattress to every veteran who came to Gallery Furniture. He commented, “It was truly an honor to meet so many brave men and women who have served this country with courage and sacrifice. Thank you, Houston, for supporting veterans, and thank you every veteran for your service to America.”

 

The home security camera filmed the UPS delivery man going the extra mile. After delivering their package, he took the time to place the seven pillows, that were scattered on the porch, back on the benches and chairs.

 

The last week of school, torrential rains hit Houston, Katy, and surrounding areas. Joanna Hitt was taking her son to school. Since there isn’t an overhang, it wasn’t going to be easy to get her son, JT, into the school without both of them getting drenched. Joanna put her rain jacket on and went to get the wheelchair out of the back of her car. As she opened the car door to put on JT’s rain gear, a man she never remembered meeting came and held an umbrella over them so she and JT could stay dry. Joanna said, “I realized this man had just dropped his child off and then got out of his car to help us. JT was wearing an LSU shirt, so we start talking about that. Turns out he’s from West Monroe, LA! Feeling thankful for the kindness of a Louisiana stranger this morning!” #Godisgoodallthetime

 

Oh, to be caught willingly going the second mile to make life easier and better for others. Whether large or small acts, may we be on the lookout for ways to show encouragement, help, and appreciation.

 

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

Colossians 3:12

Baseball Blessings

Just about everyone who goes to a Major League Baseball game wants to catch or have a player or ball person toss them a baseball.

It was the bottom of the fourth inning between the Houston Astros and Texas Rangers, and the score was 0-0. Astro Yordan Alvarez was up and hit the baseball for what looked like a sure homerun off of pitcher Nathan Eovaldi. That’s when Brandon Nimmo, Texas Rangers right fielder, leapt up at the wall and caught the ball for an out. Ronald Branch, an Astros fan and tour guide, was sitting on the first row in right field. Even though the ball was coming right at him, Branch knew not to lean over the wall to try to catch it and interfere with the play. Nimmo realized what the fan had done. In a later inning, Nimmo handed two signed baseballs to Branch on which he had written, “Thanks 4 Letting Me Go After It!” Branch posted, “Loyal Astros fan always…but also loyal to the game itself. Besides, when Yordan sends one into orbit, you just sit back, admire the moonshot, and let the outfielder make the business decision.”

 

Jameson Pennings, 9-years-old, dreams of catching or being tossed a foul ball. His parents bought tickets for the Philadelphia Phillies home game against the New York Mets. The seats were along the third base line, where Jameson had a chance to catch the ball or for the ball retriever to toss him a foul ball. During the fifth inning, Jameson’s wish came true as he was tossed a ball. He showed his dad the ball and asked, “Is that where the bat hit it?” His parents were so excited for him and knew he would treasure the baseball for a long time. A few innings later, they were shocked when their son gave the ball to Donna Morey. Earlier in the game, Jameson heard Donna’s daughter mention to the ball girl that it was her mother’s 80th birthday. Jameson told Steve Hartman, “I thought, she is way older, and she can’t come to many more games, and I can go to more, and get many more balls.” When Hartman questioned him about having a ball and then going home with nothing, Jameson said, “I am so glad she took it, because I’m actually happier without it. I will leave feeling really good about myself. So does it matter that I left without a ball?” Jameson also bought and gave Mrs. Morey an acrylic box to display her baseball.

 

May we, too, be intentional in looking out for the interests of others.

 

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

Philippians 2:3-4