Our theme this month of August has been “Lift Someone Up.” It reminds me of all the wonderful compassionate stories we heard throughout the Interfaith Summer Nights. One in particular comes to mind shared by an 8 year girl, who bravely spoke in front of an audience of 80 people.  She told us while she and her family were walking to a restaurant for dinner one evening,  they passed  a homeless man sitting on the sidewalk. The little girl asked her mom, “Can we share our leftover food with him after dinner?” Her mom said, “Of course.”  When their dinner was finished, they gave this man their food and he was very appreciative.  Later her mother revealed to me, not only did they share their leftovers, her little girl chose to eat only 1/2 her food that evening so she could give it to the homeless man. That story not only lifted the homeless man up, it lifted me up as well.  When we hear these beautiful considerate, SEVA actions, it ripples out into our world and beyond.  One small, kind action is worth a thousand words.
I love the lyrics from Celine Dion’s song “Because of You.”
The chorus says:

“You were my strength when I was weak
You were my voice when I couldn’t speak
You were my eyes when I couldn’t see
You saw the best there was in me
Lifted me up when I couldn’t reach
You gave me faith ‘cuz you believed
I’m everything I am
Because you loved me.”

Today LIFT someone up in your neighborhood, family or workplace. A small act of kindness will not only affect the recipient, it will affect you and everyone around you.
Now go spread some LOVE today!