The Power of Love (Updated from 2/14/2015)

The Power of Love

Last night at the store, after a long day with hubby at the doctors, there was a little boy we ran into in Walmart. He fell in love with Lilly (hubby's service animal, yes, shes a cat). The little boy was in tears. When I asked him if he was ok he broke down and cried. He said he was there with grandma. Grandpa normally gets her roses for Valentine's Day, but he's in heaven now, and this is the first time grandpa won't be able to give her flowers in forty years. He also told me, since his mommy didn't have a husband, he could only afford to buy one of them roses. Since Lilly and I were girls, he asked who we thought he should buy roses for?

I introduced his mother and grandma to Lilly and my husband, and ask them if they would sit with my husband and Lilly while I quickly grabbed the things we needed, and that I would be right back. The young man had already showed me their favorite flowers so I grabbed them and snuck up to the service desk. I explained to the people there what I was doing and they let me purchase the bunch of flowers and arrange them in two sets at the counter.

 

As I walked back to hubby and the family, I motioned to the boy to come over so he could sign their cards. He gave me a huge hug. I told him his grandpa was a good man, and his grandma needed the flowers also.

We walked over to the benches and he proudly presented both his mom and grandmother the flowers. He was a lovely boy and was raised to respect the ladies in his life. The grandmother and I spoke for a while. She needed an ear and, yet, she was so used to being the strong one. It was such a blessing to see a young man care about and treat the ladies in his life with love and respect.

May we all, as ministers, and as loving people, lead by example. Is there someone around that you know may be lonely and down? A person that a holiday card, a quick note, or a small "in the budget" gift, might uplift their spirits? It doesn't have to be extravagant. It can be a "just because you are another human being" gesture.

GYPSY - February 13, 2015

Gypsy follows a "pagan" path, and she is, also, a fellow "interfaith" minister. I asked Gypsy if I could reprint this post, above, from the Truth Dreamer website, for this week's Sunday Thought.  I thought it had relevance for all of us.  She agreed.    

Gypsy and her husband both suffer from various physical and emotional issues, him due to his military service, and her due to events in life.  At times these ailments can be, and are, debilitating, yet, she finds the strength and the love to be the person we see above.  

And, my point is what?

It takes so little, even from those who, themselves, are in need, to give a little kindness that can make a difference in another person's life.  Through her kindness, these ladies see they do not walk their path alone, there are others there to lend a hand... or an ear.  The sweet young man learns the lesson of "angels" that enter our lives, in moments of sorrow, and need.  I would not be surprised if he pays this kindness forward, in time.

For the rest of us, take a moment during the day to reach out to those around us, those in need.  Buy a single flower for an elderly woman, or simply sit and talk for a brief moment.  A selfless "random act of kindness" should always be at the forefront of our thoughts.  It takes so very little for us to make an insignificant moment into a greater moment for others in need.

Besides, a smile is a terrible thing to waste.  Smile often, and never waste the moment.

“To make an elderly person happy is the noblest act a young person can ever do!”

-- Mehmet Murat ildan

Editor's Note

(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card)

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either view any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider an alternate viewpoint. 

I fervently hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion, in an arena of mutual respect, concerning those opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience, and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 22 years with the United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and, finally, a senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with the premier, world-renowned, Western Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research.

Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, and wages his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteered as the lead chaplain at a regional medical center.

Feel free to contact Pastor Tony: tolerantpastor@gmail.com