For the most part, there are many kind people in this world, although you’d never think it listening to the national news. I get a stab of pain in my heart when I hear of children being hurt, terrorized or even killed.
“Can’t we all just get along?” I want to scream at the TV. Why innocent children must be the victims of sadistic adults who have distorted versions of what they think is the truth is mind-boggling to me. The opposite – kindness, courtesy, self-sacrifice, generosity – these are newsworthy stories.
A while back, I was in a department store wandering around trying to find a power strip cord for my daughter, the last of the things needed for college. (Next week my article will be called, “Empty Nesters.” My separation anxiety has already settled in and she hasn’t even left the house.) Approaching who I thought were employees of the store I inquired, “Do you know where the power strip cords are?”
There was a gal and a guy standing together and I could have sworn they both wore store badges. Met with a blank stare and after an uncomfortable moment of silence, I was immediately flush with embarrassment as they replied, “Uh, don’t know, we don’t work here!”
Mumbling, “Oh, so sorry!” I tried to get away as quickly as possible. Red-faced, I steered my cart in the opposite direction and began wandering through the electronics department of the store.
Soon I turned and found the guy of the couple approaching me. “Hey, I think I found them, they’re over here, follow me!” I was just floored. I had made a fool of myself and this guy was being over-the-board helpful and kind, looking first for those strips, then finding me, then even escorting me over to them. I thanked him and we both had a good laugh over it. Such a small act of kindness, but it left an impact on me.
All over the Internet there is a unique fundraiser going on called The Ice Bucket Challenge to fund the fight for the cure of ALS. The videos of participants are too funny. One must either accept the challenge within 24 hours or donate to the cause. The many people who care, who take the time and make the effort to bring awareness to those that are affected by this awful disease, warm my heart.
My husband was one of those nominated to allow a bucket of ice water to be poured over his head and, much to my delight, he accepted the challenge and then nominated others, including me, to the challenge of the icy water bath.
“I’ll do it tonight, right after chores,” he informed me one hot, humid day. My daughter was in charge of videotaping it, my job was to pour the bucket over his head, as I was perched on the porch and he was directly below me. He did this straight out of the barn and I was very proud of him! We all laughed so hard, it was so fun to do! He said it literally took his breath away, the water was so cold.
Then it was my turn. I was into my spiel about accepting the challenge and who I would nominate and barely got the words out before my husband (too gleefully) dumped the bucket of ice water on my head. To say it was a shock to the system would be an understatement.
I participated in the challenge before I learned all the facts. Looking into the ALS Association, I came across one alarming note. Their research includes the use of embryonic stem cells. (They also use adult stem cells, which are harvested from live adults.) Because all life, from the moment of conception to natural death, is a gift from God, in my mind and heart the use of embryonic stem cells raises ethical and moral questions.
I am torn between not wanting to dampen enthusiasm for a noteworthy cause and my Christian convictions. The decision where to spend my money to help research a cure for awful diseases is a prayerful one. If there is an alternative means to the same end that’s acceptable to all, why not utilize it?
In digging, I found that there are organizations that we can support that search for a cure for ALS using only adult stem cells and those are, The John Paul II Medical Research Institute, Mayo Clinic and The Midwest Stem Cell Therapy Center, to name a few.
There are so many kind, courteous, generous, self-sacrificing people in this world. We are all in this together and together, with caring and sympathetic effort, we can enrich each other’s lives in all stages of life.
(“Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in Him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you’re on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute!” Philippians 4:4-5, The Message Bible)
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