Random Acts Of Kindness

Students who attend the high school where the iconic and beloved film “Footloose” was filmed invited actor Kevin Bacon to their prom, and he accepted.

For film lovers, the 1980s is a treasure trove of classic films. “The Breakfast Club,” “Dead Poets Society,” “Ghostbusters,” “Dirty Dancing” and “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” are just a few of the films released in the 1980s. Many of the movies from that decade are still widely watched and can be seen on a handful of streaming services. 

Since their release nearly 40 years ago, many of those films are now picking up new fans and being watched by new generations of movie lovers. One of those movies that seems to have experienced a resurgence in popularity is “Footloose” starring Kevin Bacon. 

The 1984 film is about a young man who recently moved to a small town where the community has outlawed and banned dancing and rock and roll music. Instead of adhering to the rules, Kevin Bacon’s character does things his way, sending shockwaves throughout the small town. 

However, the high school featured in the film in Payson, Utah, is set to shut down, with the students set to be moved to a new building next school year. But before the “Footloose” school is closed for good, students organized a campaign, pushing for Kevin Bacon to come to their prom.

In a clip posted on YouTube, the students of Payson High School were joined by none other than Kevin Bacon himself. They finally got the opportunity they had been waiting for and asked Kevin to attend their prom. 

Without hesitation, Kevin kindly agreed and accepted their gracious invitation. Pandemonium broke out as the student could not believe their campaign had worked.

Psalm 149:3 “Let them give praise to his name in the dance: let them make melody to him with instruments of brass and corded instruments of music.”

A security guard was immediately emotionally overwhelmed when a group of college students presented him with a sweet surprise.

This world is a sad and broken place filled with hurting and struggling people. People can inflict pain and cruelty upon one another. However, despite what the news and any number of websites may lead you to believe, there are still kind and generous individuals walking on this earth. Not everything good has wholly evaporated and ceased to be.

Individuals can still show kindness and love to others in various ways. While social media is generally a wasteland, it still features some moving and loving unexpected acts of kindness. One of those such acts came, as they always seem to, from a surprising source: college students.

In a clip posted on YouTube, a group of college students approach a security guard sitting behind a desk. As the text in the video clarifies, the security guard has family in Nigeria that he has not seen for many years. 

Well, these students have come up with a loving solution. The young man in the clip tells the security guard that the students started a GoFundMe page, spread the word and eventually raised enough money to send the security guard to visit his family.

After hearing the news and being presented with the gift and a card, the security guard is overcome with emotion. He literally falls out of his seat and onto the floor. 

What a loving and generous move from the young people who obviously care very much for the security guard.

Most people believe that young people are self-centered and vain and don’t concern themselves with things like the feelings and comfort of others. However, this video shows that that is not the case at all. Sure, some are that way, but there are still good and caring people around us, even college students.

Proverbs 11:17 “The man who has mercy will be rewarded, but the cruel man is the cause of trouble to himself.”

One woman couldn’t contain her surprise and excitement when Donny Osmond made an unforgettable and unexpected entrance during her birthday bash.

Most people have a favorite singer, actor, athlete, or writer they’d love to meet. Individuals love and appreciate their work so much that they would love to tell them in person. They’d love to pick their brain, asking how they did this or that. An encounter like that would make someone’s day, possibly even their entire year. 

For most of the population, meeting those people will never happen for one reason or another. However, some people are lucky enough to meet their personal heroes. Getting an autograph and a selfie with that individual seems to be a mandatory protocol whenever this happens. 

However, one woman got much more than a photo to post on social media when she met her favorite singer and celebrity crush. A video posted on social media shows a woman losing her mind when Donny Osmond surprised her by showing up at her 60th birthday party.

In the short, 1-minute-long clip, the woman sits in the center of the room, looking joyously at her phone. The text in the video reads that she was looking at a personalized video Donny made for her birthday.

However, the entire time she is watching the video from Donny, he is right behind her. She has absolutely no idea that her celebrity crush and favorite singer is inches from her.

When she eventually turns around and sees who is behind her, she loses it. She gets up from the chair and starts screaming excitedly. The clip ends with Donny giving the woman a big hug.

It’s pretty safe to say that she loved her family’s big birthday surprise!

Romans 15:13 “Now, may the God of hope make you full of joy and peace through faith, so that all hope may be yours in the power of the Holy Spirit.”

A kind and loving gym owner in England is bringing hope and strength to those who are disabled and elderly.

Kindness and love can take many different shapes and forms. All anyone must do to be kind and loving is to see someone in need and then act. It doesn't even have to be a big, grand, or over-the-top gesture. 

Simple and unexpected acts of kindness can be as easy as opening and holding the door for someone. Picking up and throwing away a piece of trash is a simple task that doesn't take much time, but it's appreciated and can and does make a difference. Also, what we perceive as a small, insignificant act of kindness could mean the world to someone else. That could be the thing that changes someone's entire life and outlook. 

Javeno McLean is a personal trainer and a gym owner in Manchester, England, and he brings hope and smiles to the faces of a group of people that society often overlooks. He offers his personal training services completely free of charge to the disabled and the elderly.

In the video posted on YouTube, Javeno explains why he refuses to accept anything to help the disabled and the elderly, and it all has to do with how he was raised.

"I just set out to make my mom and dad proud," he said. "I was raised around love, like my family, my mom and my dad. Like, I was blessed to have good parents who love me."

He added: "So when you've been around so much love, you want everybody else to feel that as well. And when I see people who aren't receiving love, that's when I have a problem with injustice, when people are getting treated and patronized and treated a certain way."

While helping and working with others, Javeno says that he has witnessed miracles and dramatic transformations in the people he is blessed to work with daily.

God has blessed all of us with different skills, talents and gifts. Just like Javeno, we can use those God-given gifts to help others and show kindness and love to someone who may really need it.

Galatians 6:10 "So then, as we have the chance, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the family of the faith."

College basketball coach Bruce Pearl’s incredible friendship with a young cancer survivor transcends the basketball court.

Cancer is a horrible disease. It does nothing but cause hurt and pain. It destroys and steals individuals from their families and friends. There is nothing good about the disease. 

As bad as cancer is already, it’s exponentially worse whenever it’s a childhood who receives a devastating cancer diagnosis. Those youngsters are supposed to be outside getting dirty while running around and playing with friends. They aren’t supposed to be undergoing chemotherapy and being prepped for surgery. Kids should have their childhood to be kids, not be in a fight for their life.

Sam Cunningham, as a 12-year-old, was diagnosed with leukemia. But during his cancer fight, Auburn University basketball coach Bruce Pearl recorded a video for the young man.

In the clip, Bruce gave the young man an upbeat, uplifting motivational message. Bruce informed Sam, “you’re going to be this, son,” and “cancer picked the wrong hombre.” 

 

Sam found both humor and strength in Bruce’s kind and encouraging words. The young man admits that he would continually draw strength from Bruce’s words during the darkest days of his battle. They kept him going and fighting.

As the clip posted on YouTube points out, Bruce and Sam eventually met and struck up a friendship. At one point, Bruce told young Sam that after he beat cancer, he would attend Auburn University and become a staff member. Flash forward a couple of years, and that is precisely what has happened.

Sam is now a freshman at Auburn, where he is the team’s manager, working alongside Bruce as promised. 

Bruce added that when he prays to God, he asks Him for Sam’s continued health and safety.

“In my prayers, it’s ‘God, don’t let this thing relapse. Take me. Let Sam live.’” Bruce said. 

What an incredible story about love, friendship, and keeping one’s word. 

Proverbs 18:24: “A man of many companions may be ruined, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

Everybody Ignores And Walks Pass this Crazy Street Preacher

Former professional basketball player Shaquille O’Neal’s touching and loving gesture helped provide a teenager struggling to find shoes with a bit of relief.

The world is full of hurting and struggling individuals. People in need are all around us. They may be a friend, neighbor or even a family member. You don’t have to go to another country to find someone who needs help. Go across the street, the hallway or to the next desk, and you’re likely to find a need, someone hurting in one way or another.

Shaq, the basketball Hall of Famer and NBA champion, is well known for his kind and generous deeds. He has been blessed and has found ways to bless others. 

Yet another way Shaq has helped his fellow man involves 16-year-old Jor’el Bolden. Jor’el has massive feet, and he wears size 23 shoes, according to the video posted on YouTube.

The problem with needing shoes that big is that stores do not typically carry that size. Because they are so rare, they are also expensive. So, as the video shows, Jor’el would walk around his house in his bare feet. 

When Shaq heard about Jor’el’s story, he sent boxes. Those boxes contained shoes and clothes from his wardrobe. Shaq literally gave the young man the shirt off his back. 

As the video points out, Shaq sent the young 20 pairs of size 22 shoes. 

In addition to Shaq, the community has also stepped up and has shown Jor’el and his family God’s love. Jor’el’s mother started a GoFundMe campaign to help with the price of shoes. Donations have been pouring in. It currently stands at more than $12,000. 

What a beautiful and unique way to show Jor’el and his family the love of God! This goes to show that when you find someone struggling, take action and work to meet that need. 

Colossians 3:12 “As saints of God, then, holy and dearly loved, let your behavior be marked by pity and mercy, kind feeling, a low opinion of yourselves, gentle ways, and a power of undergoing all things;”

NFL star Jason Kelce’s emotional retirement announcement overflowed with love and gratitude for his wife.

Quitting and putting aside something you’ve worked your whole life for is not easy. It’s the realization that your body cannot do what it used to. That’s why so many athletes become emotional when they finally decide and then announce that it’s time to quit playing. 

Those who play in the NBA, NFL and MLB put in an incredible amount of time and work getting to and then staying at that level. But none of them do it by themselves. They all have the love and support of others along the way.

In a clip posted on YouTube, Philadelphia Eagles player Jason Kelce announced that after 13 years, he was retiring from the NFL. During his announcement, Jason became overwhelmed with emotion, as many players do at that moment. 

However, during his tear-filled speech, Jason honored and thanked his wife, Kylie, for her love and support and for pushing him when he needed it. He also thanked her for giving him three beautiful little girls. 

Jason also mentioned that the first time he laid on his wife. It was love at first sight for Jason.

“I won’t forget the Eagles Christmas party in 2014 and heading out afterwards with a bunch of my teammates to Buffalo Billiards, where my life would change forever,” Jason said. “That night I’d meet my future wife.”

“I still remember the moment she walked through the door, Jason added. “The first instance is burned in retina. It was like she glided through the opening, an aura around her. Then she started talking, and I thought, ‘Man, is this what love feels like?’”

Whatever Jason does following his retirement from the NFL, it sounds like he will be OK with his wife and young girls right beside him. 

Genesis 2:24 “For this cause will a man go away from his father and his mother and be joined to his wife; and they will be one flesh.”

Emmy Russell, the granddaughter of the late country music legend Loretta Lynn, was moved to tears in an emotional and heartfelt video following her audition on American Idol.

Trying to live up to expectations that we or others have for us can be exhausting. That is especially true when you’re related to one of the greatest country music artists, like Loretta Lynn. Every person is an individual, blessed with their own set of skills, abilities and gifts.

Emmy Russell, the 24-year-old granddaughter of Loretta Lynn, went before the judges on American Idol. When talking about herself, she casually mentions her grandmother. It’s clear from the very beginning that Emmy is a quiet and timid young lady. She explains why she believes she is so timid. It’s because she wanted to “own her voice” and “wanted to challenge herself.”

She went on to impress the judges with her singing and songwriting, playing an original tune of hers. She got yes from Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan.

Katy told the young woman that she did not need to compare herself to her grandmother and should not put that kind of pressure on herself. 

In a video posted on Instagram after her audition aired, Emmy said she had been flooded with tears and gratitude. She also went on to thank those who were supportive of her audition on American Idol. 

She added that it would take her some time to get back to everyone who had expressed her support and well wishes. However, she said, in the meantime, that she wanted to post a video of “gratitude.”

Growing up in the shadow of someone as legendary as Loretta Lynn and then having people put those expectations on you has to be daunting and overwhelming. But God created all of us to be unique individuals and not replicas of someone else. 

James 1:17 “Every good and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no fickleness, neither shadow of turning.”

Students reacted with shouts and tears of joy when they learned their medical school in New York City will now be tuition-free following a massive and generous $1 billion donation. 

Knowledge, as has been said many times before, is power. Education is a powerful and valuable thing. It can change someone’s life, springing them forward to a better, more fulfilling career. That’s why so many people put a high degree of value on attending and then graduating from college or some other school beyond high school.

However, like everything else in life, the price of a college education has gone up considerably. Most people who attend any school after high school must take out loans to go. Then, after graduating, those student loan payments can be made for years, sometimes even decades after graduating. This can become an enormous burden, weighing heavily on one’s mind and bank account. 

As a clip posted on YouTube shows, students who attend the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City will be able to do so tuition-free. This comes after Dr. Ruth Gottesman, a member of the school’s faculty, announced her $1 billion donation. 

After the announcement, the auditorium erupted in pure pandemonium. Students immediately began jumping up and down, cheering. Some of the students were even moved to tears at the news.

Dr. Gottesman, as the clip points out, is the widow of financier David Gottesman. The money David made during his career, which included being an early investor in Warren Buffet’s Berkshire Hathaway, made that surprise announcement possible. 

What a generous and life-changing gift!

The clip adds that Dr. Gottesman only had one request from the school following her donation. She did not want them to change the school’s name from the Albert Einstein School College of Medicine. 

Proverbs 18:15 “The heart of the man of good sense gets knowledge; the ear of the wide is searching for knowledge.”

A little girl fighting brain cancer received a special surprise and had an unforgettable moment with Taylor Swift during one of her concerts.

Taylor Swift is, without a doubt, the biggest, most recognizable entertainer in the world. Every song and album she puts out turns into a hit, sells millions of copies and instantly shoots to the top of the charts. Tickets to one of her concerts on her worldwide tour are highly coveted, being nearly impossible to get. 

To say Taylor Swift has people who look up to and admire her would be to put it lightly. Someone in her position can greatly impact someone else’s life and outlook. The Grammy Award-winning singer, during one of her stops in Australia, did just that, making a sick child’s day.

In a clip posted on Instagram, while performing her hit song “22,” Taylor and her dancers make their way down the long stage. The video shows a young woman, Scarlett Oliver, anxiously looking on at the front of the stage.

Scarlett is a 9-year-old girl who was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer in October 2023, according to People.

Seconds into the video, Taylor appears in the video as she kneels by the young woman, hugs her, and then takes off her hat and places it on Scarlett. Taylor then grabs the young lady’s hands and kisses them before she returns to her dancers on stage.

It’s clear that Scarlett cannot believe what just happened. The look in her eyes says it all. Taylor’s simple but kind and loving gesture made Scarlett’s night and meant the world to her. 

Scarlett wasn’t the only one who appreciated Taylor’s kindness. Scarlett’s stepmother, who posted the interaction on Instagram, expressed her gratitude to the singer.

“@Taylorswift you are AMAZING!! Thank you so much for making Scarlett’s dream come true!!,” she wrote in the video’s caption.

Galatians 6:10 “So then, as we have the chance, let us do good to all men, and especially those who are of the family of the faith.”

One man stepped up and lovingly decided to take his fiancée’s little sister to a daddy-daughter dance after her father passed away.

Becoming a parent is one of life’s greatest blessings. All children are a gift from the good Lord above. They deserve to be in a home and with people who will care for and love them. That’s all anybody wants, right? 

No one wants to be with someone and have their needs, thoughts and opinions disregarded and tossed to the side. Everyone wants to know that they do matter. But telling someone how much you care and love them is much easier than showing them. As the old saying goes, talk is cheap. 

The best way to show someone how much they care is through actions and deeds, showing up when it counts. That’s exactly what one young man did for a little girl whose father had passed away. 

The text at the beginning of a woman’s video posted on social media explains that her father passed away three years ago. That left the woman’s younger sister without someone to take her to an upcoming daddy-daughter dance. However, one young man refused to let that be the case.

Instead of letting the child sit on the sideline and not attend the dance, the woman’s fiancé agreed to get dressed up and take her to the daddy-daughter shindig. 

The short, 40-second video shows the young man in the bathroom, staring into the mirror as he puts on his tie and jacket. Likewise, the little girl sits in her room, looking at a mirror as someone stands nearby and lets loose with a bottle of hairspray. By the end of the video, the little girl, now wearing a blue dress and minimal makeup, walks into the room and approaches her date for the evening. 

What a sweet and loving gesture that will likely mean the world to that little girl. 

Ephesians 4:32 “And be kind to one another, full of pity, having forgiveness for one another, even as God in Christ had forgiveness for you.”

One young woman, an 8-year-old, decided to learn sign language to communicate and connect with a deaf delivery driver.

Kindness can take many different shapes, sizes and forms. There’s an entire spectrum of acts of kindness that can and will help brighten someone’s day, mood and outlook. Everyone will benefit from an unexpected act of kindness, from our family members to a stranger on the street. 

Kindness and love are severely lacking in this lost and broken world. But at the same time, there can never be too much kindness, care and love. The more empathy we show, the better for everyone involved. 

In a video posted on TikTok, one little girl, Tallulah McLellan, exhibited incredible kindness, care and empathy for a delivery driver, Tim Joseph. The short clip’s description states that Tim is deaf. In the 15-second video, Tallulah uses sign language to communicate with Tim.

After signing a message to Tim, the kind delivery driver responds to Tallulah using sign language. The little girl, after Tim’s initial response, continues to sign, much to Tim’s surprise and delight.

Tim, as Tallulah goes through a series of rapid hand movements, smiles at the little girl’s kind efforts. The video’s description adds that Tallulah and Tim are friends. Their first bit of communication began with a “hand-drawn card” and has now progressed to Tallulah learning sign language to properly communicate with him.

What a heartwarming and beautiful act of kindness of love from someone so young! 

People in this world are hurting and struggling. Most people are fighting an invisible battle of some kind. But, people often need and desire someone to meet them where they are, displaying unconditional kindness and love no matter the circumstances, much like what Tallulah did for Tim.

Ephesians 4:32 “And be kind to one another, full of pity, having forgiveness for one another, even as God in Christ had forgiveness for you.”

Watch this incredible video of heroics. Adorable puppies rescued after seeking shelter under crawl space from wintry weather.

In this powerful rescue video, we see precious pups covered in snow all under an abandoned home. The puppies are not easily reachable. The girl proceeds to go far into the crawlspace. This kind-hearted young woman fights effortlessly to save these animals from freezing to death on a cold winter’s day. 

It takes her four hours to get each puppy out. In the video footage, the girl is beaming in the midst of saving these cute dogs. She knows that her sacrifice, energy, and time are worth helping these creatures have a chance at life and a safe home. The final puppy is carried out of the crawl space, and a celebration occurs. You see clips of the girl army crawling while holding on tightly to the little pup. They exit into the brightness of the snow. The girl holds the puppy, cuddling him in her arms and smiling over their rescue. 

One precious baby dog is curled up in a jacket while the young woman holds him in the car. Six puppies are now safe because of the decision of this girl. This woman is a hero for her actions. She battled the elements to rescue those animals.

It is inspiring for us to think through what sacrifices we can make in order to help in the situations around us. It is a comfort as a believer in Jesus to know that just like this girl was relentless in her pursuit of every puppy, our Savior has not forgotten us. He loves us and pursues us to get us out of the darkness. 

“I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.” John 12:26

Street Evangelism

One customer blessed a café in Michigan by leaving the restaurant a massive $10,000 tip.

Many people are struggling and fighting to make it through each week. Money can be tight and hard to come by, especially when bills pile up. Add to this situation car trouble, a broken water heater or some other unexpected expense, and an already tight financial circumstance becomes much worse. 

Even if you’re not in dire financial straits or strapped for cash, finances are an area most people consider when making any decision. That’s why one man’s generous move was so stunning and unexpected but deeply appreciated.

In a video posted on YouTube, one man who wished to remain anonymous secretly left his waitress at a Michigan café a $10,000 tip after enjoying breakfast. 

The clip adds that the man’s generous move came after he had attended a friend’s memorial service. He blessed the waitress with the money to honor his late friend. 

The waitress, Linsey Boyd, was understandably overwhelmed and overjoyed after seeing the large number.

“I just gave him a hug,” Linsey said. “I didn’t even know his name at that point, but I gave him a hug.”

The man also gave Linsey directions on what to do with the huge tip. He told her to share it with her coworkers, which Linsey did without thinking twice.

Kindness can come from anyone and anywhere. It may not always be a $10,000 tip, but showing kindness and love can make a big difference in someone’s life. 

We can always be kinder and more loving to our fellow man. We might not be able to surprise and bless someone with thousands of dollars, but small acts here and there can have a big impact.

Luke 6:38 “Give and it will be given to you; good measure, crushed down, full and running over, they will give to you. For in the same measure as you give, it will be given to you again.”

A barbershop quartet, the Nashville Music Medics, who received their training at the Barbershop Harmony Society, don scrubs as they use music to provide hospital patients with happiness and a bit of escapism.

Most of the time, the hospital is never a fun place to visit. The only reason someone would look forward to a trip to the hospital would be to celebrate a birth and cover the newborn in hugs and kisses. At any other time, hospitals are a place most people want to avoid at all costs. 

However, there are times when avoiding a trip to the hospital is not possible. Going to a medical facility, being seen by a doctor and being attended to by a group of dedicated nurses is usually the first step in curing a problem or an ailment. Nevertheless, no one enjoys a stay in the hospital, and they need some cheering up from time to time. 

That’s where the Nashville Music Medics come in, treating patients to the sweet sounds of their a cappella performances. A clip posted on YouTube explains that the men who make up the group come from all walks of life. Some are former military members, salesmen and civil engineers, but no doctors. 

However, despite their diverse backgrounds, the men are brought together by their mission to bring smiles to the faces of those who need it most. 

In addition to singing at hospitals, the guys perform at schools and community groups, the short clip states.

But the Nashville Music Medics are not the only a cappella group singing to bring healing and happiness to others. The video mentions there are 35 music medics in the United States.

What a terrific mission! Who doesn’t want to hear a happy, uplifting tune when they are a little down in the dumps and looking for a reason to smile? 

Ephesians 5:19 “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;”

Actress and business owner, Scarlett Johansson is being set up on a Dodo dream date! And the two of them seem to have a blast together!

The YouTube video starts in Queens, New York, as we watch Ocean, a 12-year-old pittie, making her way to meet Scarlett. Scarlett is waiting with some cute dog toy roses to give to her for their special day together.

The two meet and Scarlett tells Ocean about what they are doing to do with their time together. She says, “I hear that you're looking to have a ‘me day’” and Ocean looks ready for a day of pampering. 

The two make their way to the Outset offices, where Ocean starts her time there with a smoothie. The Outset company offers a line of clean and effective skincare essentials. The company was co-founded by Scarlett and Kate Foster. 

Scarlett and Ocean use Outset products during their spa day. They start with a mani-pedi but Ocean seems more interested in her food. Scarlett mentions she made sure to use dog-friendly products with Ocean. 

Ocean is super cute, enjoying her fun day. Scarlett comments, “She’s a little couch potato love bug.” 

The goal beyond the “me” day was to get Ocean ready to find her forever home. At the end of the video, we do see that shortly after her date with Scarlett, she did find it. She is pictured with her new mom and dad. 

As the video closes, Scarlett asks Ocean, “So when was the last time you had a spa day? Is that something that you do, like, once a week?” What a precious pup and so great of Scarlett to take the time to help Ocean have a wonderful day. 

“Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor.” - Ecclesiastes 4:9

Judge Frank Caprio, of “Caught in Providence” fame, believes that there is a “special place in heaven” for those who are parents to children with special needs.

Parenting is one of life’s biggest blessings. There is no feeling like opening your heart and home to a child, either through birth or adoption. Children add so much joy, love and happiness to life. 

But like everything else in life, worthwhile things are also difficult. The actions, words and lessons children learn from their parents will impact the rest of their lives. There are massive responsibilities that come with being a parent. That’s especially true if the Lord blesses a couple with a child with special needs. 

In a clip posted on YouTube, Judge Frank Caprio said parents who have been blessed with children with special needs have been set apart in the eyes of God. In fact, he believes that heaven has a “special place” for those who care for and love children with special needs.

“There’s a special place in heaven for parents who are raising children with special needs,” the judge said. “Raising any child is challenging. Parenting a child with special needs will teach you just how strong you really are. It requires incredible tenacity, patience, resourcefulness and an unwavering commitment to never-ending love.”

What a beautiful sentiment from the kind, loving and gracious judge about life, parenting and children with special needs. 

Yes, that child may require more time, attention and assistance than other children. But they are still just as special and loved in the eyes of the Lord, and as Judge Frank Caprio believes, so are that child’s parents. 

True parenting, the judge adds, is not about caring for and loving the child you thought you would have one day but doing that for the one you do have. 

Ephesians 6:4 “And, you fathers, do not make your children angry: but give them training in the teaching and fear of the Lord.”

A couple of police officers in Ohio went above and beyond the call of duty when they surprised a 4-year-old child with toys after his birthday gifts were stolen.

Birthdays are a big deal to children. They anxiously and expectedly look forward to celebrating the day they came into the world. The joyous occasion is often recognized, in some form or fashion, with a party, friends, cake, ice cream and gifts. 

Children enjoy every element of their birthday celebration. But if they are being honest, most children would likely mention the presents as their favorite part of the whole ordeal. Who doesn’t like receiving gifts? 

That’s why police officers in Ohio rushed in to save the day when 4-year-old Jae Ingram’s birthday gifts were stolen from his mother’s vehicle.

What kind of person steals from a child? 

What could have remained a terrible incident, reminding people of the evil and wickedness that exists in the world was used as an opportunity to show others love, kindness and charity.

After receiving the call to report the stolen presents, the officers got to work, doing what they could to brighten the young man’s big day.

“I ended up going to the local Walgreens,” Officer Drew Olinger said. “And we just wanted to make sure that he got his gifts for his birthday.”

A doorbell camera captures the moment the officers arrive to surprise the young man with the presents.

“I know that these won’t make up for the gifts that you didn’t get, but we got you some stuff,” one of the officers says.

The young man can be heard yelling with delight.

Bad things happen in life. Everyone will experience the cruelty of this broken and lost world. But those are also chances and opportunities to show others love and kindness and to be the hands and feet of Christ. 

Genesis 50:20 “As for you, it was in your mind to do me evil, but God has given a happy outcome, the salvation of numbers of people, as you see today.”