Selfless Compassion

 

As Harley Donworth, Finlay Hamilton, Jack Murphy, and Kaden Rocha were walking home from Magna Academy, they noticed 90-year-old Alan Stanyon stranded and not moving on his electric scooter. When the 14-year-olds stopped to check on the older man, they discovered that the battery had lost its charge. Dressed in their uniform suits, the young men pushed the heavy scooter over a mile to Mr. Stanyon’s house. It took over 3o minutes, and much effort, to reach their destination. Alan offered to pay the students, but they refused his offer. They wanted to help because it was needed.

Layla Lester, 5, and her mother were walking through Akron Falls Park, in western New York, when Layla noticed a beautiful princess wearing all white. Being autistic, Layla did not usually approach or speak to people she did not know, but this time she ran to get closer to Cinderella. That day, Olivia Spark was in the park having her bridal portraits taken. Instead of acting inconvenienced, Olivia knelt down, took Layla by the hands, and spent time talking with her. A week later, Olivia went to the park to see Layla again. She had made arrangements for a pumpkin carriage to arrive for a princess photo shoot for Layla. Photographer Nicole Witkins was there, once again, to capture another magical moment.

 

Rick Steves is the host of “Rick Steves’ Europe,” as well as a travel writer. He recently read an article about The Lynwood Hygiene Center in Washington State which provides services for people without a home. Those in need are welcomed to go there for a warm shower, eat a meal, wash and dry their clothes, and visit with a nurse. Recently, word spread that the land was to be sold and the services would end. Although Steves had never been to or seen The Lynwood Hygiene Center in person, he understood the loss it would be for the people who depended on the facility. He contacted the land owner and offered $2.25 million to purchase the property. The bid was accepted. Now there are no more threats to The Lynwood Hygiene Center closing. Mr. Steves read about a problem, knew he had the means to fix it, and did something about it.

 

Using our strength, effort, money, time, and possessions, we all have something to give and do that will help and encourage others.

 

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Ephesians 2:10

Generous Hearts

Wanting a new bicycle, six-year-old Nawal Victoria Roa had been saving her money and putting it in a piggy bank. Recently, an earthquake struck her city in Colombia killing hundreds of people, injuring thousands, and leaving thousands without their home and belongings. Seeing the suffering, Nawal decided she wanted to give the money she had saved to help others. She carried her piggy bank and gave it to a lady at the relief center. Nawal’s mother said, “I want my daughter to understand that someone else’s needs could be greater than her own wish.”

Dave Whitlow is a father, grandfather, and retired government manager. He spends every Tuesday and Thursday in the neonatal intensive care unit at VCU Children’s Hospital in Richmond, Virginia, volunteering as a baby cuddler and comforter for the tiny and vulnerable babies. Realizing the importance of human touch, Dave rocks, comforts, and speaks to the babies. Some days he holds as many as eight infants. Before returning a baby to the incubator, Dave softly says, “Grow strong. Grow smart. Grow kind.”

Recently, Mateo Nicasio celebrated his 8th birthday. He was excited about going to Walmart to spend the $23 he received at his party. While at the stoplight, Mateo saw a young mother selling candy for $3. Asking his mom if he could buy some candy, she asked why. He replied, “I want the woman to have enough money to buy milk for her baby.” He gave the young mother $3 for the candy and also gave her the additional $20. Strangers sent money to Mateo to replace what he had given. He decided that he wanted to use the money to help people who need it more than he does.

 

Michael Parziale, from New Jersey, founded Parziale’s U.S.A.R. Drone Team, for the purpose of rescuing lost pets. The team members use thermal-imaging drones which are capable of detecting body heat in the dark. Pets have been located hiding in the woods, in large open spaces, and other places that are difficult to search for on foot, especially at night. So far, the U.S.A.R. Drone Team has reunited over 120 animals with their owners.

 

With generous hearts, may we also find ways to make a difference.

 

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

Colossians 3:12

In Remembrance

"Never forget" isn't a slogan.

It’s a responsibility – and

responsibilities die the moment

we stop showing up for them.

~ Will Hinson

September 11, 2001, there were about 140 babies and toddlers in the Pentagon’s Child Development Center, in Arlington County, Virginia, across the Potomac River from Washington, DC. Hanna Born, almost three-years-old, remembers dancing with ribbons and going down a hallway after American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon. Forty Marines carried out the infants in baby beds, including Hanna's four-month-old sister Heather, and volunteers took the toddlers to safety. In 2019, Hanna graduated from the Air Force Academy. She is a captain and instructor pilot, in the TH-1H Huey with the 23rd Flying Training Squadron, and teaches Army helicopter pilots. Hearing the saying, “They say a person dies twice - first when they cease to breathe, and again later when their name is mentioned for the final time.” Hanna decided she wanted to do something to make sure that second day did not come. On September 11, 2025, she began running a mile for each person who lost their life in the terrorist attack. Averaging 8 miles a day, Hanna calls out the person’s name and shares their story, during the mile she runs for them. She is on target to complete the 2,977th mile and name on September 11, 2026, 25 years after she was carried out of the Pentagon’s Child Development Center to a safe location. 

September, 2001, five Texas A&M students organized a plan, in less than 10 days, to honor and remember those who had lost their life during the terrorist attacks on September 11. They came up with a design and had over 70,000 red, white, and blue “Standing for America” t-shirts printed. The plan was for those on the top deck at Kyle Field to wear red shirts, those with seats on the second deck to wear white shirts, and the lower deck to wear blue shirts. The Oklahoma State fans participated as well. During halftime, The Fighting Texas Aggie Band formed “USA” on the field and played “God Bless America.” The proceeds from the sale of the t-shirts, $180,000, was given to the New York fire and police relief funds.

  

Our son, Brad, carrying the

General Moore Flag

 

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Saturday, September 12, 2026, Kyle Field will once again be a red white, and blue “Standing for America” game, as the Texas A&M Aggies play the Arizona State Sun Devils. This year will focus on remembering and honoring the 250th Anniversary of the United States and the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001. A special patriotic ATM logo has been painted across center field, from the 44 to 44-yard lines.

 

There were 2,977 drones that rose out of New York Harbor, one for every person that was killed in the terrorist attacks on 9/11. They depicted the twin towers at full size. 

 

May we, too, do our part in remembering, honoring, respecting, and being grateful for our country, and showing it in our words, actions, and deeds.  

 

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Psalm 46:1