Loving Acts of Kindness

In a time of turmoil and violence, we need to call out the precious, the loving acts.

Yesterday, I was at the protest.  A black woman and a white man drove up and parked.  At first, I thought they were coming to the protest.  But then, they pulled water and nutritious drinks out of the trunk.

At that point, I wondered if they had heard about the pantry donation project we were doing.  They brought the drinks to me and asked where to put them.  I pointed to the bins and told them it was for the pantry.  They said, 'Even better!'

As I was thanking them, they quickly went back to the car and left.  It was really confusing.

Then, this morning I awoke with a start.  I realized that they were bringing the  drinks for the protesters!!!  They were concerned for us and wanted to help.  The black woman took a huge risk even driving up to the protest, which made her gift even more precious.

My heart broke and healed all in the same moment.  I did a presentation on the epidemic of loneliness and isolation in America a couple years back.  I asserted that the resolution was to build community.  Yesterday, I saw community in action, coming from a woman who is targeted by violence, but who nonetheless, stepped up to care for others.

THAT is where we find hope...in the loving acts of people toward each other.