Acts of Kindness passed forward Ice Jam 2014

Photo by: John Spink - AJC.com

Read: Matthew 25:35-39

Ice Jam 2014

Earlier this week The Deep South made world news when the winter vortex put many southern states in a deep freeze. Atlanta and surrounding states were gridlock upwards of thirty hours. People stranded unable to do anything other than sit, worry and complain.

Ice Jam 2014 literally shut down cities and highways from Birmingham to Atlanta. Tens of thousands of stranded motorist braved the storm in their cars and trucks while others abandoned vehicles and trekked miles to home, hotels or public facilities. A state of Emergency issued.   

Random acts of kindness

Obviously there was much blame to passed around but there where many acts of kindness from friends, neighbors and total strangers that overshadowed the city and state officials debacle.

With every bad situation, there is always an unseen benefit. The Ice Jam Chaos brought out the best in everyone. There were strangers who bought 200 sausage biscuits from McDonalds, customers at a short-staffed Waffle House washed dishes, cleaned tables and took out the trash. Others made sandwiches, coffee, offered rides and even opened their homes to complete strangers.  Good Samaritans found ways to pass it forward with random acts of kindness. 

Doing good for others 

It is during catastrophic times that goodness rises. People are resilient and caring. Can this compassion and care be present daily?

Jesus wanted followers to set the precedence by helping others. Matthew 25:35-39 clearly states “For when I was thirsty you gave me drink, I was a stranger you invited me in.” It feels good to do good for others. When done with love it is done for the Lord.

This week was tumultuous for many.  There were ladies stranded having to sleep in their cars overnight.  It was the kindness of stores such as Kroger, Publix, Home Depot and CVS who opened their doors feeding the hungry and caring for others making believers out of many. For some these kind gestures restored their faith of humanity. They felt the world was sad and did not care for others.

Today is a new day! Ice Jam 2014 made way for change. This week, people had a humanitarian heart, exemplifying random acts of kindness while others passed forward goodness to others. They implemented what Jesus asked us all to do. 

The learned lesson for Atlanta Mayor Kaseem Reed, Georgia Governor Nathen Deal, GEMA's Charles English, and GDOT officials do not be so cheap.  Sometimes you have to spend money for the safety and well being of the community.  Next time heed the warning by sanding and salting the roads before the next Snow Jam occurs. 

Prayer

Holy Father, all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. This week people encountered chaos and misery. Lord genuine love and compassion was present.  Wherever there is love you are present.  Lord I pray that random acts of kindness witnessed will become contagious. Thank you for covering and keeping us covered. Amen.