Sunday, May 2, 2010

Kindness of Strangers

Goodness is the only investment that never fails. Henry David Thoreau

I always tell my kids...there are more good people than bad....and I tell them the story of the woman living in the city next to ours....

She was a waitress....all her life. She didn't earn alot of money....but somehow she managed to save $10,000. She dreamed of taking a trip when she retired...maybe a cruise. She never married....never had kids.  

One day, her boss asked if he could borrow the money...he would pay her back. He promised. She trusted him....lent him the money. He put it towards building a huge house in a rich part of town. A house larger than anyone needed. Time went by, he never gave the money back. Then two years, three...still nothing. The woman retired. She lived on a small pension. Her dreams of taking a trip...over. 

Somehow, a businessman heard about her story. Maybe from a customer at the diner. He went to see her. Gave her a cheque for $1000. The two sat, had tea in her small apartment. Every two months, he returned and gave her another $1000. He told her he would do that until she had her $10,000 in full. 

The media got a hold of the story. By that time, the businessman had paid her all the money her boss had taken from her....but he was still going back every two months to visit with her. The media asked why. His answer, We've become good friends.

The boss never apologized. He lives in one of the largest homes in the city. He has never repaid the woman a dime. 

This story makes me think of the people who reached out to me when I lived on the streets...those who gave me food, or a place to sleep or encouraged me to never give up.  The kindness of strangers! I've never forgotten them. And their kindness, their goodness has made me want to reach out to others who need to know.....there are more good people in the world than bad.

26 comments:

Denise said...

Amen sis amen.

Shanel said...

This is THE BEST POST.... I love it.. I feel bad for the waitress... I can only imagine the despair she felt when she didn't get her money returned...but she was blessed later.... I hope that my faith in the good people of the world increases... stories like this help me with this struggle.

Beth said...

What a great story! Shame on that boss. I don't understand why some people feel the need to use, lie, cheat, or hurt others for their own gain. Thank God he sends "angels" to restore our faith in human kind!

Anonymous said...

What a lovely story. Thank you for sharing!

Wondering Soul said...

Have you seen the film 'Paying it Forward' Sarah?
It sounds like what you want to do.

Thank you for the beautiful story.
And for being in my corner.

Much love to you
x

Cottage Sunshine said...

Hi Sarah,

I have been reading bits and pieces of your story throughout the day. Oh my, how I am so sorry for the pain you have lived through. I will add your name to my prayer list as you raise your little girls ...God knows the obstacles and the hardships and He will see you through. You have done a marvelous job in rebounding and finding your Heavenly Father and always putting Him before you.

My words are shallow as I am typing them but I will pray for you and your children... prayer does have power.

Hugs and PRAYERS,
Carolyn ~ Cottage Sunshine

Anonymous said...

I like the verse that says God will restore to us the years that the locust have eaten. This story reminds me that God will repay us for evil done to us. The woman received her money and a bonus.... a friend.

Thanks for sharing,
Tammy

Dulçe ♥ said...

Absolutely... I believe we are 99%--the shame is that the bad ones always stand out...
Lovely story... YES!
Hugs
:)

RCUBEs said...

I was listening to the Christian radio station on my way home from work this morning and the pastor was saying/reminding that just a little light goes a long way. This story reminds me of that. It's neat how His light gets passed on. From one to another. Blessings to you sister. Take good care of yourself.

The Red Brick Farmhouse said...

AMEN! What a great post! Thank you for sharing that with us!

Blessings~
Laura

Paula said...

Yes, there are so mayn good people out there. YEt most of times you hear only this news about another disaster or catastrophe somewhere. It is good to hear this story. Hugs to you

Linda said...

What a beautiful and inspiring post!! Thank you for sharing with us.
Enjoy your day.
Blessings.

Anonymous said...

Good Morning Sarah .
Just popping in to wish you a Blessed filled week :)

Terri Tiffany said...

I love best your last line:) Sooooo true! And they come from where you least expect them to come.

Karen said...

Amen...that last line just sums it all up...

Lily said...

What an uplifting story! I think sometimes we forget that the world is full of good people, when we have so much experience with the bad. Thanks for the wonderful reminder :)

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful story. There ARE good people out there still today.

Kelly L said...

Beautiful story - you inspire me...

Love to you
Kelly
Amazing Salvation

Anonymous said...

Hi Sarah. I just wanted to stop by to say hi and thank you for your well-wishes for my dog. It means a lot to me! I hope all is well with you.

NOS

Deb said...

Sarah, I love this story. How the businessman took it upon himself to pay for the boss's crime.

And how the businessman and the woman became friends.

Reminds me of what Christ did for us.

Paid for our sins.

Became both Savior and Friend.

I'm digging both stories.

Sweet dreams.

Marj aka Thriver said...

Finally! I can leave a comment on your blog. I tried several times yesterday, and nothing happened when I clicked on the link. :P

I've never heard this story before. Thank you for sharing it. I'm glad you tell your kids there are more good people in the world than bad. I have to admit, there are still some days when I need this reminder myself.

Gaia said...

Miracles do happen. There are angels out there. Blessings.

A Mother Always said...

I believe you are right.. there are more good people than bad, mostly we are afraid to open our eyes to meet them and hurry on our way.

Jennifer said...

AMEN Sarah, AMEN!

A Busy Single Mom said...

Wonderful story, Sarah. Very inspiring post. You are a woman of valor.

Mehdi A. said...

You have grown so much dear Sarah, and still you keep up moving towards the light.
God Bless you always.