You Just May Save a Life

Leadership

After the war, they were a mess. After all, we probably would be too if we had gone through what they had. They weren't soldiers, but Jewish prisoners, tormented for years in the Nazi death camps. Surviving by the grace of God, the two girls were liberated from their captors but had lost all hope in humanity. They were in despair, didn't know what to do, and determined their next best move was to meet their maker. So they jumped off the bridge.

Landing in the water instead of the barge they were aiming for, they survived the fall, were arrested, and put into a facility for "crazy people". When Eddie Raku read their story in the newspaper, he could empathize. He had been in their shoes. He also survived Auschwitz and was doing okay, so he stepped in to help. After meeting them, he realized they weren't crazy and decided to take them into his home. After a few weeks, they started feeling better and hope of a future began to slowly grow...for both him and them. They had been through hell and just needed to experience a little kindness to get out of it. By doing so, he halved a burden and multiplied hope.

"Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." (Colossians 3:12)

When we step in with kindness and share a burden, we cut the burden in half, as it's much easier for two to carry than one.

And in doing so, we multiply hope as it spreads to all involved.

If you see people today who just seem a little off of center, don't assume they are jerks, crazy, or out to get you. They may just be going through something and having a hard time dealing with it. Show a little kindness instead and see what happens.

If that's you...start by showing yourself a little grace and kindness and seek out someone who will help. Don't go around barking and growling with your teeth hoping to get pet. Nobody wants to go into your yard and it's no fun playing fetch by yourself.

In Eddie Raku's book, "The Happiest Man on Earth" he closes a chapter with the following thought:

"better to give than receive. There are always miracles in the world, even when all seems hopeless. And when there are no miracles, you can make them happen. With a simple act of kindness, you can save another person from despair, and that might just save their life. And this is the greatest miracle of all."

Let's cause a few miracles today. What are you clothing yourself in?