Circle of Kindness
By Alice Henry
@IreneVincent (15962)
United States
November 25, 2015 4:48pm CST
We've all heard of "paying it forward," probably. But, if not, let me explain. There's even a wonderful movie about it. If you haven't seen it, make every effort to do so. I love that movie, even though it has some sadness.
However, it has been reported several times that some kind hearted persons are doing things for other persons for no particular reasons at all and also because they SEE a need to do so.
Let me give you an example:
Some have paid for other person's "lay-a-ways" at a department store and some persons have paid for the meal for the person behind them at a fast food drive through restaurant.
But, I heard of another situation. A well-to-do (in other words, wealthy) couple were traveling in a car, to visit relatives in another state. The server that took their order was very pleasant and friendly and she was attentive to their needs, but not hovering over them.
She was also very pregnant. She looked tired and as they observed her throughout their meal, they saw her massaging her shoulders and back from time to time.
The couple decided to leave her a VERY LARGE tip and then go on their way, without saying a word. Such kindness was shown, with no reward in mind, except the wonderful satisfaction they must have felt as they continued on their journey.
Later they found out that this server was about to be evicted from her home, but was able to pay the back rent for several months, with the tip money the couple had left for her.
The server also used part of the money to help her friend in need, so she was "paying it forward." She told this story on national television and the couple happened to see the report and felt happy that they were able to help this young woman.
What a very generous thing to do. What do you think?
15 people like this
13 responses
@boiboing (13153)
• Northampton, England
25 Nov 15
I think there has been a bit of a crazy rush to 'paying it forward' as a way to make the giver feel better and not to focus on the needs of the recipient. So you see people paying for people's coffee when they're more than happy to pay themselves rather than giving the money to a homeless person who does need it. I'm a bit baffled and conflicted by it all.
6 people like this
@Marcyaz (35316)
• United States
26 Nov 15
I don't think there is a rush to paying it forward. A lot of us give to the homeless in the way of a meal. I was in a restaurant once where there was a fellow asking if the management would give him a meal but he didn't have any money, they were going to throw him out when I said give him what he wants and I will pay for it. He really looked in need of something to eat. I was grateful to be able to pay for his meal so he wouldn't starve. Do you know how much it must take from your diginity to have to ask or beg for food.
2 people like this
@IreneVincent (15962)
• United States
26 Nov 15
Giving to the homeless is also a wonderful thing to do and those who enjoy paying it forward probably are very giving people and because of that they most likely contribute to the homeless and other charities that help those in need.
A kind person is always aware of ways to help others and there's more than one way to do that.
You sound like a very giving person and I'm sure the person you helped out with a meal that day was very grateful. It was certainly nice of you to do that for him.
2 people like this
@Drosophila (16571)
• Ireland
26 Nov 15
Actually kindness is not about helping people when they clearly don't need it. It's an offer to help if they do. In my experience, rarely people takes you up on the offer. But if they do, just make sure you honour that agreement.
Also I don't believe in help in excess, you help a person 1 time they can be grateful. You help the same person 10 times, they begin to think it's an entitlement.
2 people like this
@IreneVincent (15962)
• United States
26 Nov 15
I think we all feel the need to help someone who needs help, but sometimes we don't have the extra money to do a lot. We can all do a little.
1 person likes this
@IreneVincent (15962)
• United States
26 Nov 15
@Marcyaz Yes, it isn't that we feel obligated to pay it forward, but it's a nice thing to do if we can from time to time.
@Marcyaz (35316)
• United States
26 Nov 15
I have also payed it forward when I was able to as years ago it was done for me at a time when it was desperately needed which no one knew. The couple in the story did more than they ever thought possible. I did not know there was such a movie.
2 people like this
@IreneVincent (15962)
• United States
26 Nov 15
Being generous when we can is a good thing for the recipient and for the person who gives. Jesus taught us to love our neighbors and everyone, whether we know them well or not is our neighbor. Jesus made this clear in the illustration about the Good Samaritan.
2 people like this
@Rosekitty (19368)
• San Marcos, Texas
25 Nov 15
I have always loved that story and movie and try to do my part as much as i am able!
4 people like this
@IreneVincent (15962)
• United States
26 Nov 15
Sometimes just a simple meal is what someone needs if that's all a person can do. Wealthy people could do much more and some of them do a LOT that we don't even know about.
2 people like this
@DWDavis (25805)
• United States
26 Nov 15
It was wonderful of this couple to help out in that way. I have been the beneficiary of having my breakfast or lunch paid for me by the person ahead in line at the drive up. When that happens, and there is someone behind me, I pay for theirs. If there is no one waiting, then the next time I go I cover the person next in line.
2 people like this
@IreneVincent (15962)
• United States
26 Nov 15
Good for you. I know it happens from time to time. I've heard of it more than once. You felt appreciative, I'm sure and that's why you paid it forward. Nice of you to do that.
2 people like this
@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
26 Nov 15
sometimes we need help, later when we have extra it's a good way to pay the goodwill out. What we send out comes back, sooner or later, good or bad
3 people like this
@IreneVincent (15962)
• United States
26 Nov 15
Yes, share when you can. You never know when you might need help yourself. The Bible says: "Cast your bread on the waters for after many days you will find it again. Give a share to seven or even to eight, for you do not know what disaster will occur on the earth." Eccl. 11:1,2
2 people like this
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
21 Dec 15
tat is wonderfu l and those acts should happen more often too not just at Chrismas time i belong to the movement too.
@LeaPea2417 (37369)
• Toccoa, Georgia
26 Nov 15
I have heard of that movie but I have not seen it. I want to see it sometime. Those are generous things to do. I would like to do something nice for a complete stranger. I will have to think about what to do.
@Butchcass4 (5895)
• United States
26 Nov 15
@Berniezeitler I think paying it forward is awesome. I believe God is behind the whole thing as that is part of His character to do something like this. I love to pay it forward whenever the need arises. I saw the movie but can't think of the name of it. Do you know what it is?
1 person likes this
@Butchcass4 (5895)
• United States
27 Nov 15
@Berniezeitler Hey thanks for sharing that link that was very kind of you. I just asked my husband if he thinks we watched it and he said he's pretty sure we did. I kinda think so too. But its that kind of movie that you could watch it again and get blessed all over again. Those kind of movies I say its God working anonymously as paying it forward is definately part of His compassion and caring for us. There are alot of good hearted people out there who just need to be encouraged to pay it forward. Ask God to show you personally how to pay it forward He surely will. He loves to get involved with things like that. I believe it makes Him smile for sure.
2 people like this
@Butchcass4 (5895)
• United States
28 Nov 15
@IreneVincent I feel for people who are not happy. You never know whats behind that unhappiness, but taking it out on others is certainly not the answer. Desperate people often do desperate things and usually someone who's kind and innocent gets hurt. Like a drunken driver who's obliveous to the danger he not only puts himself in but the other innocent drivers on the road. I don't know what the numbers are as far as the percentage rate of those killed by drunk/high drivers but I know its up there. I pray for those who are in the path of these irresponsible drivers that God would protect them.
1 person likes this
@IreneVincent (15962)
• United States
28 Nov 15
@Butchcass4 I think your are right. God created us with the ability to show kindness and love and MOST humans are more often kind than not. Unfortunately, there are some that are not kind. Surely, they can't be happy.
2 people like this
@ramapo17 (30441)
• Melbourne, Florida
22 Mar 18
That brought tears to my eyes. More people should do things like that ,even if it was with less money.
