I saw a video today that left me amazed. A little girl had sat with a lollipop in her hand, in her dad’s store. A man rushed in demanding all the money from the till from the little girl’s father. Before the man fled the store with the cash, the little girl reached out to the man, lollipop in hand, saying that he could have that too. That simple moment of innocence and kindness serving as a reminder of the hurt that the man was causing. Suddenly, in an act of accountability and shame, he put all the money back on the counter, kissed the top of the little girl’s head and left the store. The dad then embraced his daughter with a hug. This was I am sure a very frightening ordeal for this father, but this little girl and her innocent act of love, humbled the heart of the robber. Friend, this was a scary ordeal, though a simple gesture from a sweet child, softened the man’s heart to do the next right thing. I don’t know if that robber turned his life around, but I know that the little girl and her act, made an impact. It is hard to be kind when faced with adversity, but a gentle gesture can soften a heart. Just as Jesus offered kindness to those that deserved it least. Further exemplifying what real love looks like. May we offer kindness and love when faced with tribulation. May we trust God to handle the hearts of those that oppress us. That little girl was held an embrace from her father with her lollipop in her little hand, and a story of the impact of love that I am sure would be told for years to come.

Erin Fitts-Brower

A gentle gesture

Matthew 5:44-45 NIV

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.