The Paradox of Kindness

This is a picture of a mulberry tree. I did not know it could grow so large from such a tiny seed. When we think of the wonders of nature, we are brought to God. I found a story that I think you will enjoy - it comes from Simple Truths and is a true story: (I am not copying this to promote the book but felt it only fair to give all the information)

An Excerpt from The Power of Kindness: The year was 1863, on a spring day in Northern Pennsylvania. A poor boy was selling goods door-to-door to pay his way through school. He realized he had only a dime left, and that he was hungry. So he decided he would ask for a meal at the next house. However, he lost his nerve when a lovely young woman opened the door. Instead of a meal, he asked for a drink of water. She thought he looked hungry and so she brought him a large glass of milk. He drank it slowly, and then asked, "How much do I owe you?"

"You don't owe me anything," she replied. "Mother has taught us never to accept pay for a kindness." He said, "Then I thank you from my heart." As Howard Kelly left that house, he not only felt stronger physically, but his faith in God and man was strengthened also. He had been ready to give up and quit. Years later, that young woman became critically ill. The local doctors were baffled. They finally sent her to the big city, where they called in specialists to study her rare disease. Dr. Howard Kelly was called in for the consultation. When he heard the name of the town she came from, he went down the hall of the hospital to her room. Dressed in his doctor's gown, he went in to see her. He recognized her at once. He went back to the consultation room determined to do his best to save her life. From that day, he gave special attention to the case. After a long struggle, the battle was won. Dr. Kelly requested from the business office to pass the final billing to him for approval. He looked at it, then wrote something on the edge, and the bill was sent to her room. She feared to open it, for she was sure it would take the rest of her life to pay for it all. Finally, she looked, and something caught her attention on the side of the bill. She read these words: "PAID IN FULL WITH ONE GLASS OF MILK..." (Signed) Dr. Howard Kelly* *Dr. Howard Kelly was a distinguished physician who, in 1895, founded the Johns Hopkins Division of Gynecologic Oncology at Johns Hopkins University. According to Dr. Kelly's biographer, Audrey Davis, the doctor was on a walking trip through Northern Pennsylvania one spring day when he stopped by a farm house for a drink of water. ~~~~~~ This beautiful story about Dr. Howard Kelly is one of many true stories found in The Power of Kindness. I love the quote from Leo Buscaglia: "Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around." Quite frankly, this is the part about kindness that we all understand. But it's the other part that many of us fail to grasp. That is...practicing random acts of kindness can change our lives! And that is what this book is all about. The great English writer, Aldous Huxley, was a pioneer in the study techniques to develop human potential. In a lecture toward the end of his life, he said this: "People often ask me...what is the most effective technique for transforming their lives?" He then said, "It's a little embarrassing that after years and years of research, my best answer is—just be a little kinder." This is the paradox of the power of kindness. It doesn't feel powerful at all. In fact, it almost feels too simple to be important. But as Huxley said, it is the #1 thing that can transform your life. Kindness, more than anything, is an attitude that brings us back to the simplicity of being. It is also the one way you can be assured of making a difference with your life. This little book can keep that message alive for the rest of your life. It also makes a wonderful gift for any occasion. Today, I'm pleased to offer The Power of Kindness for only $10.00. Our regular price is $15.95, a 37% savings. As an added bonus, you'll receive complimentary standard shipping on all orders of $50 or more*. Make sure to share this e-mail with your friends, family and co-workers. They'll thank you for it! All the Best, Mac Anderson Founder, Simple Truths *Terms and Conditions: This offer expires Monday, 09/23/13 at 4:00 p.m. CDT. Quantities are limited. Complimentary standard shipping on orders of $50 or more: Offer valid only for single purchases of $50 or more to a single shipping address (before shipping and tax). Offer valid on in-stock items only. Offer applies to standard shipping only. Offer not valid for rush shipping or international shipping. Non-online orders placed with quantities greater than 48 units and/or requiring freight shipment may be subject to a surcharge. Coupon codes may not be combined with any other coupons or discount promotions. Promotions and coupons are not valid on prior purchases. No rain-checks for out of stock promotional items. Coupons are not valid for Sourcebooks' employees, distributors or affiliates. Offer valid for online U.S. orders only, unless otherwise stated in writing. Terms and Conditions are subject to change without notice. This e-mail was sent to helenr@bellsouth.net because you subscribed to the Simple Truths Newsletter. Unsubscribe or manage your e-mail preferences. Update your profile. Contact Us Simple Truths, LLC 1952 McDowell Rd Ste 300 Naperville, IL 60563, United States Phone: 800-900-3427 / 630-946-1460 © 2012, Simple Truths, LLC. All rights reserved.