“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” -1 John 3:18
The smallest act of kindness can make a substantial difference, sending ripples across a community. Taking time to help a person can brighten their day. Kindness has the power to overcome the saddest of times. Our intentional kindness conveys the love and mercy of God in an honest and tangible way.
Kristina Ulmer understands the power of kindness. She has dedicated much of her time and money to help teach the importance of kindness to others. Kristina is a ninth-grade English teacher in a suburb outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Each year, her students participate in the “Kindness Challenge.” It is an exercise designed by Kristina to help her students see that they can make a difference.
In 2014, Kristina’s sister, Katie, was killed in a car accident while driving home from a morning shift at a local restaurant. In her sister’s purse were the tips she had received that morning. It was just over $100.00. Kristina had held onto the tips for a few years, wanting to do something special to honor her sister.
Kristiana used her sister’s money and added a little of her own. She gave each student $20 and challenged them to do something creative and nice for another person…and film it. Many of the students were excited about this challenge. Some did not think doing something meaningful for such a small amount of money was possible. It did not take long for their creativity to go to work. Since 2018, students have done hundreds of unique acts of kindness that bless their community. They have made dog blankets for a local shelter and hygiene kits for the homeless. Some students bought a Christmas tree for an elderly couple who were shut-ins, while another student baked fresh cupcakes to give them away to teachers.
Since starting the “Kindness Challenge,” others in the community have begun to understand the power of kindness. Kristina has collected over $7,000 from community donations to help keep her project going for years to come. She hopes to honor her sister by creating a foundation to help teachers spread the “Kindness Challenge” to other schools and communities.
Kindness is an intentional act that brings joy to others. It takes just a few moments of our time and a little bit of effort to make a difference. Kristina and her students are a wonderful reminder that we all can make a significant impact with just a little kindness.
Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
