It’s pretty rare that I watch the news these days. Sure, I do love my daily dose of the Today Show and/or Good Morning America, but that’s about all I see as far as news of any kind goes. Nate always makes fun of me because I am completely out of touch with most things that are going on in the world, but I’m usually OK with that; I have other things to do and the news is usually pretty depressing.
You can imagine my surprise when the other day I found myself watching the news – likely because I just wasn’t paying attention to the channel the TV was on – and suddenly there was a news story that made my heart leap. Basically a mom struggling to make ends meet was shoplifting hundreds of dollars of groceries to feed her hungry children when she was caught and handed over to police. Then the police woman did something unheard of: After completing the appropriate paperwork she ran into the store and purchased, with her own money, the groceries the woman had tried to steal.
Now I know there are a lot of thoughts on what should be done with people who break the law, but I have to say that the story brought tears to my eyes and joy to my heart. The police officer basically said that arresting the mother wouldn’t have done anything to help solve the real problem, her hungry children, and so she did what was needed to actually change the direction of this family. A local business owner heard the story and called the mother in for an interview and then hired her. The problem of struggling for work and the inability to feed her children was immediately hammer-punched by two people who decided to trust in the good. There is a lot of evil in this world, something we all know too well, but the reality is that there is a tremendous amount of good. I understand we can’t always trust every single person, but I believe that we can start off by trusting the good in ourselves. When we see good we should share it, and when we share it we should pass it on in the way we live out our lives.
The Best Part is an online community that’s dedicated to brightening your day—every day. How? By spreading optimism, one share at a time. The Best Part posts inspirational stories, encouraging quotes, good news and other upbeat items on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram—and encourages fans and followers to share that optimism with their friends. Because when optimism is shared, it grows, making an even more positive impact on our world. Check out what others are sharing on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Incredibly moving story, thanks for sharing it! I mostly avoid the news but I’m grateful for stories like these which show there are still good Samaritans in this world.
Whoa. That’s an incredible story. Thanks for sharing it, and for the reminder that we should seek out and trust the good in ourselves and each other. 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing this story. It gave me goosebumps. I’ve been thinking daily of what I can do to help. I’m too blessed. I ask others for ideas all the time. Right now, the big thing laying on my heart is food banks. We donate to our local food bank often, but it just doesn’t feel enough. I want to do more. Any ideas?
xo,
tina
I think you just do what you can. If you’re passionate about food and feeding the hungry, seek out opportunities with churches or missions or pantries around town to spend time with the people who need help. I think being in need can probably feel really lonely sometimes; if you can find a way to be a friend and a cheerleader for those who need it then that’s the way to go!
This story made my day. Thanks for sharing it,
Good morning Heather. How do you get sponsored posts?