Showing kindness to the undeserving

Hi neighbour! Go right ahead. It is okay to show kindness to the unkind, the unthankful, and the uncaring and be pleased with yourself. Okay, they don't deserve it.

But let's face it - this may be their only opportunity to become acquainted with the true meaning of life anyway. As a matter of fact, it takes a kind-hearted person to help pull these persons out of the throes of self-centredness!

Let's not be too hard on them. Don't ostracise them. I have seen some of the meanest persons turn out to be very kind, caring and gracious - with some help. People are socialised differently. They process life experiences contrary to yours. Remember, no one is beyond redemption - you and me included.

I met a young lady some years ago who was hopelessly stingy. At one time, she almost had a nervous breakdown when asked to contribute to the welfare of a relative. Fortunately, another relative was on hand to cover the amount, thus staving off the health issue. She was badly in need of help, I thought, and volunteered my ser-vice. I didn't think that condemnation or a strong rebuke would have treated her condition.

A couple of doses of kindness daily would have been more effective. Within six months of this treatment, there was never a more generous person. The kindness that was meted out to her without any obligation, opened her mind to a new way of thinking. Her misery, fostered by an atmosphere of stinginess in her formative years, had come to an end. Here's the deal: apply kindness in every instance and you will never regret it!

I had an interesting experience last Wednesday. For the last year or so, we have been advising persons who call our office in search of assistance not to call on a Wednesday - that day is reserved specially for those neighbours who are offering help.

However, someone called last Wednesday seeking help. We explained our position once again and the call ended. Within five minutes she was on the line again, saying she was inspired to offer one of her prized possessions to a neighbour.

Convert

"What?"

"Yes, I am serious. It has just dawned on me that if I want to receive, I must begin to give - like you have been saying all along."

I was elated. There was one more convert! What was even sweeter was when she said she didn't want to give anything that she didn't value highly.

That's like doing unto others as you would have them do unto you. If we want value, we must be willing to offer value. Here, I must once again commend the neighbour who bought a sewing machine on hire purchase for a needy neighbour. The recipient was an unemployed single mother with children attending school.

She wanted to generate an income by sewing pillow cases, etc., but never had a sewing machine. The very day we published her story, a gentleman contacted us with an offer to help. Three days later, she received a new sewing machine. The rest is history.

What goes through your mind as you read these accounts? If it's what I am thinking, I am pretty sure that I will receive a call from you, before the week is out, in response to one of the needs listed below.

"Kindness is contagious

Let's spread it near and far!

Where it is repetitious

There is no place for war"

THANKS TO THESE NEIGHBOURS

1. Monica, for financial contribution to her neighbours' welfare.

2. Ms Baker, St Catherine, for donating a bag of ground provisions.

3. Bev, St Andrew, for donating female clothing to children and adults.

4. Mr Thompson, St Catherine, for offering a second-hand refrigerator.

5. Shelly Ann, Trelawny, for offering school uniforms to a young neighbour.

6. Mr Love, St Andrew, for giving clothing for men and children.

7. Ms Mattis, St Andrew, for offering a mattress to a needy neighbour.

8. Ms Brown, St Andrew, offering a hair dryer with chair to a young cosmetologist.

OPPORTUNITIES TO HELP NEIGHBOURS

1. Neighbour, Manchester, mother of four; unemployed and in need of stove, even to purchase at a minimal cost.

2. Patricia, St Catherine, mother of three, whose husband has died; in need of a mattress, sheets, clothing for church.

3. Ms Chambers, St Andrew, taking care of six-year-old girl; needs back-to-school supplies, including uniform - green tunic and white blouse.

4. Rose, Kingston, asking neighbours for clothing for boys - ages 12 and eight.

5. Desrene, St Elizabeth; requesting assistance with son's school fee, even a half. Parents are unemployed.

6. Beverly, St Andrew, asking for dining table for children - for homework and dining.

7. Annmarie, asking for clothing for newborn; also needs school bags for three girls.

8. Ruth, Manchester, needs assistance for an elderly lady who has no food.

9. Keisha, St Elizabeth, house destroyed by fire; needs clothing for boys aged 12 and 10, girls eight and three.

10. Ann, St Andrew, hospitality student: parents cannot afford to pay full tuition; she needs $10,000.

11. Elaine, St Andrew, has many challenges. Her 84-year-old mother and mentally challenged brother are living with her. They cannot afford to pay rent. Need accommodation or a plot of land to build a small structure.

To help, call 906-3167, 884-3866 or 299-3412; or email neighbourtoo@yahoo.com and we will make the link-up. Those who desire to help us with our financial obligations may make deposits to account 351 044 276 at the National Commercial Bank (bank-routing password JNCBJMKX) or send donations to Hello Neighbour, c/o 53 Half-Way Tree Road, Kingston 10.