Tea with Linda - Kindness
Tea with Linda - Kindness
Contributor: Linda Kavelin Popov, Co-Founder of TVP, May 2025
The world desperately needs kindness. This gentle virtue is a powerful healer at this time of brokenness, divisiveness, and crisis across the world. Truthfully, small acts of kindness may be more significant than anything else we achieve in our lifetime.
A woman named Renee Pasaro had a near death experience at sixteen. She ascended to a realm of light where she witnessed her entire life in the presence of “the Blessed Beauty.” Interestingly, all her academic achievements were like tiny sparks, but one simple act of kindness to a disabled boy at camp shone out in a blaze of glory. Each of us has been chosen to be here now, at this strange and wondrous time, and each of us has a ministry, including acts of kindness that make a difference in the lives of others.
One incident that stands out in my memory occurred at a small Thai restaurant when a mother and her excited young son stood in line. She mentioned, “This is his favorite kind of food.” When she heard what the meal would cost, she whispered, “Son, I’m sorry. I don’t have enough money for this. Let’s come another time.” He looked crestfallen but accepted the disappointment without a fuss. I said, “Would you kindly allow me to buy your lunch today?” “Oh, I couldn’t accept that”, said the mother. “You don’t even know me.” I said, “How about this? You can pay it forward by helping someone else in the future?” This expression from Katherine Ryan Hyde’s best-selling book and movie “Pay it Forward,” brought a big smile to her face. “I can do that!”
Jesus said, (Mathew 25:40) “Truly I tell you, whatever you do for one of the least of these, you do for me.” Mother Theresa, one of the kindest individuals in the world, who took care of the poorest of the poor in India, said, “Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile.”
I was isolated from my newborn son, Craig, whose lungs collapsed when he was induced early for a doctor’s convenience. A nurse reprimanded me for crying, was warned by one doctor he was unlikely to survive and then another gave him a 30% chance. A kind nurse’s aide companioned me and asked, “What is it, little mama?” “I’m not allowed to hold him and I am worried he’ll die without a mother’s touch.” She offered to touch him every day, and weeks later, he came home. Her kindness meant everything to me.
Do you know who needs our kindness more than anyone? Our intimates. The ones closest to us are the most vulnerable. A small kindness to them or to anyone shines a bright light of hope especially in dark times. We are meant to be a light bringer, practicing kindness every day.