Category: Kindness

Posted in Faith, Grateful, Kindness

Finding Light in Recovery: A Grateful Reflection on Kindness and Resilience

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDeb


Greetings, everyone! Apologies for my brief absence – my husband and I have been on the path to recovery after battling Covid. The experience felt like a prolonged, severe flu, with feverish days and exhaustion. Today, as we gradually regain our strength, I want to express gratitude for the outpouring of support and discuss the profound impact of kindness from strangers.

The Power of Well-Wishes:
Thank you to all who sent well wishes and positive vibes our way during this challenging time. Your messages played a significant role in lifting our spirits and aiding our recovery. It’s a testament to the strength of community, even in the digital realm.

Kindness of Strangers:
Reflecting on these past days, I’m reminded of the importance of being kind to both familiar faces and strangers. In our daily interactions, a simple act of kindness – holding a door, offering a smile – can brighten someone’s day. We never truly know the battles others are facing, making compassion a powerful force.

Nurturing the Soul:
Amidst recovery, I encourage you to continue nurturing your soul. Dedicate 5 to 10 minutes each day to read from the Bible, finding solace and inspiration in its verses. For today, let me share two Bible quotes to guide your path and a positive quote to uplift your Wednesday:

  1. “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.” – Psalm 28:7
  2. “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31

Positive Wednesday Quote:
“Your kindness may be the only glimpse of God someone sees today.” – Unknown


In times of recovery and beyond, let’s hold onto the lessons of kindness, resilience, and the power of community. May these words from the Bible and the positive quote guide you toward a brighter and more compassionate Wednesday.

Posted in joyful-echoes, Kindness, Life, Uncategorized

The Healing Power of Faith and Forgiveness

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

In the journey of life, we often encounter moments of doubt, fear, and emotional turmoil. We question our worth, our purpose, and our place in the world. It’s in these moments that faith and forgiveness can play a transformative role, offering solace and healing.

The Power of Faith

Many of us have experienced moments where we’ve felt disconnected from God or questioned whether He hears our prayers. In these moments of doubt, it’s crucial to remember the power of faith. Just as the author has seen “God’s power in their phone,” faith can help us recognize God’s presence in the seemingly ordinary aspects of our lives.

Faith isn’t just about believing in God’s existence; it’s about trusting that He has a plan for us, even when we face emotional hardships. Emotions, as the author points out, can be a stumbling block for believers. We often express our doubts and anxieties through phrases like “I don’t feel well” or “I don’t feel like God is listening to me.” However, these feelings, while valid, should be acknowledged and then overcome.

By strengthening our faith and seeking guidance in God’s word, we can begin to heal the emotional wounds that often hold us back. It’s essential to learn to control our emotions rather than letting them control us. This process is not easy, and it may require daily practice. Through faith, we can find the strength to move beyond negative emotions and recognize our worth in God’s eyes.

The Journey of Forgiveness

Another essential aspect of emotional healing is forgiveness. The author emphasizes that forgiveness is not just a one-time act but a daily practice. Holding onto anger and resentment can hinder our relationship with God and our personal growth. It’s not about forgetting the past; it’s about letting go of the burden of negativity.

We all have relatives and family members who may not have treated us kindly. The author’s message is clear: we should strive to make time for those who have never done anything for us, even when it’s challenging. Forgiving others, even when we don’t want to, is a powerful way to free ourselves from the weight of grudges and resentment.

The healing power of faith and forgiveness is a journey. It’s about recognizing God’s presence in our lives, controlling our emotions, and practicing forgiveness, even when it’s difficult. By doing so, we can find emotional healing and move forward in our relationship with God and in our personal growth. Remember, faith and forgiveness are not just concepts; they are tools for transformation, helping us become the best version of ourselves.

Posted in Bible, joyful-echoes, Kindness, Let’s Learn the Bible

Walking Alongside Jesus

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

Stories from Jesus Day 1 of 10

Day 1: The Parable of the Good Samaritan

Hello friends,

Today, I want to share a story that Jesus told – the Parable of the Good Samaritan. In this tale, Jesus teaches us about compassion and kindness.

A man was traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho when he was attacked by robbers who left him wounded on the side of the road. A priest and a Levite passed by, but both chose to ignore the injured man. Then, a Samaritan came along. Despite their cultural differences, he showed great compassion, tending to the man’s wounds and ensuring his safety.

Let’s look closer

The Parable of the Good Samaritan stands as a cherished gospel narrative, resonating with both young and old audiences. Found in Luke 10:29–37, the parable recounts an incident where a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho is assaulted by robbers, who not only rob him but also inflict harm. Despite the dire situation, a priest and a Levite pass by without extending help. Surprisingly, it’s a Samaritan who stops and tends to the injured man, going as far as taking him to an inn and covering his expenses.

But who were these Samaritans? They were the Jews’ reviled adversaries. Consequently, when considering that a Jew would typically be the protagonist in a Jesus story, the revelation that the hero is a Samaritan would have left listeners astounded. According to Levine, it’s only when we grasp this context that the parable’s potent message truly shines through.

The parable presents a contrasting view of existence, steering away from despair. It invokes the events of 2 Chronicles 28, wherein the Samaritans were persuaded by the prophet Oded to assist their Judean captives. This story insists that even those we view as enemies can become our neighbors, emphasizing that compassion transcends boundaries. Additionally, it serves as a reminder that forming judgments based on religious or ethnic differences ultimately leads to our own detriment, leaving us figuratively stranded.

This story also reminds us that kindness knows no boundaries and that we should treat everyone with love and care, just like the Samaritan did. Let’s strive to be the kind of people who uplift and support those in need, regardless of who they are.

Stay tuned for Day 2, where we will explore another captivating story from the life of Jesus. Until then, keep your hearts open and your spirits uplifted.

Blessings,
Deb

Posted in Kindness, Storytelling

When Sarah Found Hope

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

In a small town nestled amidst the rolling hills, of Tennessee lived a kind-hearted grandmother named Sarah. She had gracefully embraced the role of raising her three grandchildren, Emily, James, and Lily, after her own daughter lost her battle with addiction.

Life hadn’t been easy for Sarah. She found herself juggling the responsibilities of everyday life and the demands of caring for young children. One day, while she was trying to fix their old television, a knock came at her door. It was the friendly neighborhood television repairman, Mr. Johnson.

With a warm smile, Mr. Johnson greeted Sarah and asked if he could take a look at the broken television. As he worked his magic, Sarah shared her struggles and the difficulties she faced as a single grandmother trying to provide for her grandchildren. Mr. Johnson listened attentively, his heart touched by her story.

After repairing the television, Mr. Johnson surprised Sarah by installing two brand new televisions in her home. Overwhelmed with gratitude, Sarah couldn’t believe her eyes. For the first time in a long while, she saw a glimmer of hope.

Little did Sarah know, Mr. Johnson was part of a church community known for their acts of kindness. He couldn’t bear to see Sarah struggle any longer, and so he decided to share her story with his fellow church members. The congregation was moved by Sarah’s selflessness and the challenges she faced.

They came together, preparing baskets filled with groceries, fresh fruits, vegetables, and even some homemade meals. With smiles on their faces, they arrived at Sarah’s doorstep, offering their help and support. Tears welled up in Sarah’s eyes as she realized she wasn’t alone in this journey. They became her extended family, surrounding her with love and care.

From that day forward, Sarah’s life changed. She found solace in her new televisions, enjoying moments of laughter and togetherness with her children. The community’s support uplifted her spirit, giving her the strength to face each day with renewed hope and gratitude.

Sarah carried the lesson of compassion in her heart forever, paying it forward whenever possible. She learned that even in the darkest of times, there is always light to be found, especially when people come together to extend a helping hand.

And so, let us remember the words of the Bible: “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9) May this story serve as a reminder that acts of kindness, big or small, have the power to transform lives and bring hope to those who need it the most.

Posted in Kindness

The power of kindness

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDeb

In a world that can often feel divided and disheartening, it’s easy to forget the power of kindness. But sometimes, a small act of generosity from a stranger can remind us all of the goodness and compassion that still exists in humanity.

Have you ever experienced a random act of kindness? Perhaps it was something as simple as a stranger holding the door open for you, or someone letting you go ahead of them in line at the grocery store. Whatever it was, chances are it left a lasting impression on you.

As Christians, we’re called to be kind and compassionate towards others, just as God has shown us kindness and compassion. In fact, the Bible is full of verses that encourage us to be generous and loving towards others.

One such verse comes from Proverbs 11:25, which says, “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” This reminds us that when we show kindness to others, we also reap the benefits of that kindness.

Another well-known verse, Ephesians 4:32, says, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” This verse encourages us to not only show kindness, but also to forgive others and have a tender heart towards them.

So the next time you have the opportunity to do a random act of kindness for someone, don’t hesitate. Whether it’s paying for their coffee or simply offering a listening ear, you never know how much of an impact it may have on their day. And when someone shows you kindness, be sure to thank them and pass it on to someone else.

Remember, as Christians we’re called to spread love and joy wherever we go. So let’s all strive to be a little kinder today, and every day.