People magazine has
profiled “individuals whose extraordinary bravery and kindness stood out this
year.” They included Michael McDonnell and Dylan Smith who rescued six
people during Superstorm Sandy; J.D. and James Bennett, who pulled two toddlers
from a burning van in California; Madison Wallraf, who saved 22 horses in a
burning barn; and NYPD Officer Larry DePrimo whose gift of shoes to a homeless
man made international headlines.
This
inspirational sports story also made the headlines. Jared Stevens has
cerebral palsy and is a member of the Sunset Middle School wrestling team in
Nashville, TN. He cheers for the team during practices and matches, but
always wanted to wrestle. When his school competed against Freedom Middle
School recently, his coach asked the other school’s coach which wrestler on his
team had the kindest heart. He was introduced to seventh-grader Justin
Kievit.
Jared’s
coach placed him on the gym floor. Justin shook his hand, lay down beside
him, put Jared’s arm over his body, and was pinned, giving Jared the
victory. Good Morning America told their story and the video went
viral. Jared’s father said, “The two adjectives that come out of this
whole episode are courage and character, on both of these guys’ parts.”
Justin said, “Sometimes winning isn’t the right thing, isn’t the most important
thing.” The news anchor who reported the story said, “It makes you feel
better about the world.”
In
a society worried about the economy, unrest around the globe, and climate
changes, these examples prove that simple acts of compassion impact more people
than we can imagine. As HE’s theme verse indicates, it doesn’t take much
salt or light to make a big difference (Matthew 5:13-16).
Your
next act of kindness can change the world and our iCARE program is an
opportunity for HE associates to share the light with those with whom they come
in contact. “To the world, you might be only one person but to one
person, you might be the world.” The darker the room, the brighter the
candle.
