Last fall I challenged myself to say something nice if I saw something nice. I’m not an outgoing person, so following through on my challenge has stretched me. In my day job I constantly interact with women and have really sought to say something genuine, positive and encouraging. It has been a rewarding challenge! Not too long ago I complimented a lady (probably in her 60’s) on her beautiful skin. It was really smooth and creamy. Her eyes lit up and she said, “Are you kidding? Nobody has ever told me that!”
On the other hand, I am 4′ 10″ and have endured comments about my height for as long as I can remember. Over the last few weeks I’ve had quite a few people make comments to me about my height – some innocent remarks and some really rude remarks. I don’t mind looking “young,” but I don’t know any 30 year old women who want to be told they look exactly like a child. I don’t really notice my height (I’m kind of used to it) so when someone points out how UNBELIEVABLE it is that an adult is so short…yeah that stings a little bit.
After a weekend filled with a string of unkind comments, I was ready to throw in the towel. I thought to myself, “what good does it do me to be nice to people? They’re just going to whisper to their friend about how short I am!” I was so done with making the effort to be nice.
Then I read Proverbs 11. “He that is kind benefits himself…He that waters will himself be watered.” God’s Word says that being kind is good for me. It doesn’t matter how others treat me. I’m just supposed to be kind.
The greatest example of kindness is of course, my Savior, Jesus Christ. A wicked thief questioned Jesus’ identity while He was dying on the cross. Jesus didn’t have anything but kindness and love for those men, offering forgiveness with His last breath. The true benefit of kindness is that being kind helps me be like Jesus. This knowledge helps my get past myself and gives me the desire to be kind, regardless of the return on my effort.
This post is not a rant aimed at the people who are rude to me. I want to share with you what God is doing in my heart. If this post encourages you to think before you speak, that’s an added bonus. 🙂
Come Home For Comfort 
I will never forget you when I called and you answer the phone. I was so heartbroken and you prayed one of sweetest prayers. You showed me love and compassion that day. You are one of the sweetest kindest person I have spoke to. Maybe one day I will get to meet you in person!
I have a ugly scar on my throat from a tracheotomy I had to have. I have had two girls look at it and bust out laughing . That really hurt me but you know something I have had so many ask me about it and I got to share my testimony of how God has blessed me and the miracles he has done in my life.
I will never forget when I had the privilege of meeting Libby and Tracy Perry. She asked me about my scar and we talked about Tracy also having one.
Height or a scar does not define who we are. It is our hearts and how we show love and compassion for others.
Again thank you for your kindness!!
Also I love and enjoy all your post!!
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Great post. Kindness is so important.
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Thanks, Ashley. It really is!
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I understand about comments people make and they think they are either being cute and funny, but nonetheless they sting. I am forever hearing how “skinny’ I am. Well, I’m in my fifties and I don’t take it as a compliment as most would. Maybe it is the word skinny that annoys me. Been hearing it all my life and it never has sat well with me. I mean we don’t go around telling people they are so fat. It has always been a sensitive spot for me. I eat healthy and I exercise and so if you’re going call me anything, say I’m in good shape not skinny. People need to sometimes just think before they speak. Great post!
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I totally agree with you, Michelle. I think it’s mean to comment on something a person cannot change. And I certainly would never make a comment to a tall person about their height. Thank you for your sympathy! 🙂 I’m sorry you’ve had to deal with those comments too!
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This is such a great post! It is really hard to stay kind especially when others are rude to you. Thank you for writing this post. It encouraged me to be kind even when others are mean.
Sarah
http://mybowsandclothes.blogspot.com/
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Thanks, Sarah. I’m glad it encouraged you!
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It’s so hard to stay encouraged and positive when you feel that others aren’t returning the positivity. Sometimes just keeping your chin up and continuing to stay positive and encouraging keeps your mood up. Fake it till you make it, sometimes. But what a stinky weekend. Just remember there are plenty of people who value you, appreciate your kindness, and like you for you!
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You’re so sweet, thank you for the encouragement! I’m a terrible faker so I just have to ask for extra grace when I’m not feeling extra kind. 🙂
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I’m sorry for the negative comments that have come your way lately. You are always so kind and encouraging to others so it’s got to be discouraging when you’re met with unkind words. I love the reminder that being kind is good for us. It makes others feel good, but it also brings happiness to yourself to be kind. I often think about your challenge to yourself and try hard to compliment someone when I notice something nice because of it. I’m not outgoing so these opportunities to speak kind words to others help me to branch out. Keep spreading kindness and those who know and love you will always smile when they think of you 🙂
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Thank you for YOUR kindness and sympathy! I love that last line of your comment – I do want people to smile when they think of me, and that is largely my responsibility. Proverbs says the memory of the righteous is a blessing! You’re one of those blessed memory people too!
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I think the challenge you gave yourself to speak kind words (words of life!) is wonderful and am reminded of the verse in Proverbs that says whatever we do flows from what’s in our hearts. Take heart, knowing that what is flowing from you is life giving ;-).
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Thanks, friend! ❤
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That’s beautiful. It reminds me of the Mother Teresa quote that includes “The good you do today will often be forgotten. Do good anyway.”
I think you have given yourself a great challenge, and it’s definitely something I should try to be intentional about doing myself.
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You’re right – kindness is often not remembered or reciprocated, but that doesn’t free us from the responsibility to be kind!
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I struggle just like you to keep my heart attitude right Whitney. In my case, it is my attitude toward someone I have tried hard to cultivate a relationship with and after 40 years, it is beginning to pay off. This person often says unkind and tactless things to me that make me want to retaliate but God is teaching me to respond in kindness. It is humbling isn’t it?
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It is SO humbling! Thanks for sharing that with me, Arlene.
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