A HOPEFUL HEART â—½ YOU
The Healing Power of Kindness
By Christina Oberon
In a world often marked by uncertainty and tragedy, kindness remains a quiet force of healing. We’ve seen it in the wake of devastating events, such as the recent wildfires in my home state of California - neighbors helping neighbors, strangers opening their homes, and communities rallying to support those who have lost everything. These small but profound acts of compassion remind us that even in the face of destruction, hope can be rebuilt through human connection.
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Kindness isn’t just a feel-good concept; it has tangible effects on both the giver and the receiver. Studies show that acts of kindness release oxytocin, often called the “love hormone,” which promotes emotional well-being and reduces stress. In fact, research suggests that being kind can even help lower blood pressure and increase lifespan. Fun fact: Scientists have found that witnessing an act of kindness can inspire a similar response in others, proving that kindness is literally contagious!
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The wildfires that have ravaged California in recent months have left thousands displaced, their homes reduced to ash. But amid the loss, stories of kindness have emerged like embers of light. Volunteers have
rushed to shelters with blankets and food, firefighters have risked their lives to save not just people but animals left behind, and social media has been flooded with offers of housing and support. These small gestures, though they may seem insignificant against the scale of destruction, make an immeasurable impact.
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One powerful example is a viral video showing a group of strangers forming a human chain to help an elderly couple evacuate their home before it was engulfed in flames. These were not first responders or trained rescuers, just ordinary people moved by compassion, risking their own safety to ensure that two lives were saved. This selflessness is a testament to the innate goodness in humanity, a reminder that even in dark moments, light still exists.
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Kindness is also deeply rooted in faith, particularly in the Bible, where it is described as a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). Scripture repeatedly calls us to practice kindness: "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you" (Ephesians 4:32). Jesus himself exemplified kindness throughout his life, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and welcoming the outcasts. His actions remind us that kindness isn’t just about grand gestures. It’s about seeing people, valuing them, and responding with love.
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Imagine if, in our everyday lives, we treated kindness as a necessity rather than an afterthought. A smile to a stressed cashier, an encouraging word to a struggling friend, or simply holding the door open for someone. These actions, though small, have the power to shift someone’s day, and perhaps even their life.
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Although tragedy is unavoidable in life, I try to remember that there is always goodness in kindness. It costs nothing but is worth everything. It doesn’t require wealth or influence, only the willingness to extend a hand, offer a kind word, or stand in solidarity with those who need it most. The healing power of kindness is real, so I'll choose it, again and again, because it remains the simplest, most powerful way to start making the world whole again.