Ofure ~ A Tale Of Kindness ♡♡♡

 "But the fruit of Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying one another" - Galatians 5.22 -26

What are some of the kind things people have done to you? Pause for a moment to think about how it made you feel.

I have been a beneficiary of too many acts of kindness, but one that immediately comes to mind as I write this post, is the kindness from a friend Ofure - (If you get to read this, yes I am calling you out). 

Back in my early days at Uni. I had this skin irritation, that made me itch. I had white patches in a few places around my body. Ofure happened to be visiting at that time from another city, when she observed that what I probably needed amongst many other things was a bed sheet change (I know cringe cringe. I am not a dirty girl I promise). I had not changed my sheets in a while *covers face*. In a way that was not judgmental or forced, I remember Ofure speaking to me so tenderly about hygiene. Ran off to the shops to get me new sheets and helped me lay my bed. It probably sounds like a small thing, but I remember feeling safe in that moment. Her delivery was oh! so very kind. She was sweet, gentle, generous, loving. Till this day, it is one act of kindness I remember ever so often. I mean the girl could have shamed me instead.

Fast forward years later, I am still a beneficiary of Ofure's kindness. We do not speak as often or live in the same city, yet when I had the twins, she had her brother deliver to us a truck load of diapers. I am talking over 10 boxes - adding to the stash we already have. Please don't get me started on how we won't be required to purchase diapers until the twins are over one year old. Again, this is as a result of some other kind people.

               Kindness is the light that dissolves all walls between souls, families and nations"

                                      -Paramahansa Yogananda

I am also reminded about David's heart of kindness in scripture, towards Mephibosheth (Jonathan's son who was lame in the feet and helpless). Mephibosheth became a beneficiary of David's kindness because David had remembered the loving relationship he and his father Jonathan had, when he was alive. They were best of friends and David had been a beneficiary of Jonathan's kindness in the past too. Considering that Mephibosheth happened to be from the household of Saul (a sworn arch enemy), this would never have been the case, but for Jonathan. You see, kindness has a ripple effect. 

"Later on, David asked, “Is there anyone left alive from Saul’s household to whom I can show gracious love in memory[a] of Jonathan?” - 2 Samuel 9:1

The story of David, Jonathan & Mephibosheth is also a picture of God's kindness towards us. David is a picture of God. Jonathan is a picture of Jesus. You and I are Mephibosheth a picture of God's people who were once condemned, in the salvation story. Beloved, because of what Jesus has done for us, we get to enjoy God's kindness. Kindness validates. It lifts, it supports, it comforts, it encourages. Kindness makes people feel seen. In a world that attempts to keep you and I focused and consumed about our selves, it really takes the help of the Holy spirit for us to go the extra mile. Put aside our egos even where our "enemies" are concerned. To truly see others and see also what humanity needs.

Are you a kind person? Are you kind in speech? Are you kind behind the backs of others? Are you kind to your parents? Are you kind to your children? Are you even kind to yourself?

                             "Be kind whenever possible, It is always possible" - Dalai Lama

Love Always

Shay!