Kindness Matters

Kindness Matters. Such a simple statement with an amazingly complex meaning. 

I had a professor at the University of Mobile, Dr. Sue Gober, whose kindness changed my way of thinking. I would have considered myself a kind person before my last semester at UM. I didn't mind to help anyone that asked for my help, but I wasn't intentional. I wasn't going out of my way for others without being prompted. My kindness was extrinsic. Dr. Gober on the other hand, she was intentional with me. Her motives came from an intrinsic place. I asked for nothing yet I received encouraging texts, emails, and calls all the time, just for kindness sake. I didn't understand why she did and said the things that she did; she always told me she was doing what Jesus would do. Through her kindness, I felt the love of God.

I wanted to share that same love and kindness that I had experienced with others, so I started modelling myself after her. What a difference it made! God used that decision in my life to open doors of opportunity to speak into the lives of the people around me. I'm sure Dr. Gober, at that time, had no idea how she was changing my life. Her kindness mattered. I feel Leo Buscaglia said it best, "Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around."

I encourage you to take the time, be intentional, and show kindness to those around you.