People on social media can be cruel. But they can also be generous and inspirational. They can start a generosity revolution. Such was the case with a group of women I don’t know in person but do know on Facebook through their politics –and also, through their kind hearts.
Not the first time I’ve seen a generosity revolution online, either.
I found this group of younger-than-I women on Facebook after the election. Just casual, online acquaintances bonded over our political horror and dismay. What did we have in common? Only that, really. But when like minds connect, magic happens. It did the other day when one friend talked about a not-Starbucks-barista with a happy countenance, a kind word for everyone and a beautiful smile.
But that coffee customer, my FB friend, whom we’ll call “F,” decided to talk with the barista one morning and found that she was a mother of two who had been homeless. Once the young mom got into an apartment, she discovered it was infested with bedbugs. Not wanting to risk bringing critters with them, she left everything behind when she moved yet again. She and her daughters lost everything…and yet there she was, smiling, working, doing the best she could. Knocked down and got herself back up. Again.
So F posted about her and wondered if anyone could donate some kitchen stuff. This was around 9am.
This tribe of generous women and some men swung into action. By 5pm an Amazon list had been put up and shortly thereafter, this young mother found herself with a fully equipped kitchen, bedding for all, and for God’s sake a DINING ROOM TABLE AND CHAIRS! And many other things. Gift cards were on their way, too.
I know a whole bunch of folk who talk a lot of smack. But these women and men? This tribe? They step up. They do that EVERY time. I am just thrilled to count myself among them. Sure, we talk smack and especially political smack. We’re all on the same side, of course. But that’s not all we do. When it counts? Everyone does their part.
And then, of course, there are NO coincidences. Next day, in my email, I found this, from the Daily OM:
Connecting through generosity
We are more apt to encounter people vastly different from ourselves when we make a habit of working closely with people in need from all walks of life. Many people, tempted by the siren song of familiarity, never look beyond their own limited experiences when seeking out opportunities to give the gift of charitable service. When we immerse ourselves in the unfamiliar, however, we discover that we connect on an emotional level with many wonderful people whose lives are markedly different from our own. These encounters add a richness to our lives that is unlike anything we might have otherwise experienced if we had limited ourselves to philanthropic prospects related to our own economic or cultural sphere. Your benevolence will transcend borders today when you connect with others by giving them all the support and assistance you are capable of providing.
And then, the next day I got this:
There is a great universal good now unfolding, and everyone is part of it. Changes in life are precious opportunities to know that Spirit has greater things in store for us. —Ellen Grace O’Brian
A madman is in the Oval. More people than ever are in need. When government fails, as we’ve seen it do repeatedly this year, good people step up.
I loved seeing this happen organically. I loved being part of it. I only hope you find the same kind of inspiration in tribes you belong to.
Speaking of generosity, if you know someone who is healing or grieving, consider our gentle, inspirational gifts at A Healing Spirit. Starting at $19.99 and shipped free in the US, discounted shipping to Canada and Australia. It’s a beautiful way to support a loved one having a difficult time.
With all the bad in the world, it is so refreshing to know that there is still a lot of good. With mass shootings, hurricanes, tragedies, wild fires and all the madness happening these days, I switched it off ((temporarily) just to give myself a mental and emotional break. By tomorrow I’ll turn it back on though! WHY? Because I want to look for the positive. Bad news is often mixed with stirring examples of human kindness. And those acts of human kindness in the midst or tragedy can be uplifting to the soul!Like the one you’ve shared!
I’m touched that you wrote about this. Seeing our circle come together for my not Starbucks barista friend did my heart so much good! I’m honored and blessed to call you all friends. From the bottom of my heart, thank you! ❤️
It is so wonderful that everyone came together to help this young mother and her kids.It is so nice to see good in this world with all the bad that has been going on.
It’s awesome that so many people came through for her! That was really generous! People definitely have to reach out and help each other in times of need.
I love hearing about the generosity of those women you have connected with online. I believe the majority of people are good. It’s the bad ones we hear about.
Extending yourself to help someone in need is always personally fulfilling. Acts of kindness as that referenced in this article gives us hope in the midst of all that is swirling around. I t makes us believe again. It makes us believe us that there is still goodness in the world.Doing kind deeds gives us a good feeling almost like the high experienced by runners. Kindness really does make us happier.
Moments like that make you believe in the world again. A little kindness goes a long way and it’s amazing how much people can do when they work towards one beautiful goal. Thanks for sharing this beautiful story! Your products are lovely!
This is so beautiful! It really restores your faith in humanity when people come together like this to help others in need. It just shows that there really are great people out there that care, and when we come together, we can move mountains.
The online community has two sides and I’ve interacted with both the bad and the good… I’ve had people tear down my post on twitter because they were against certain politicians where I was merely posting a flat lay for fashion purposes. I never want to give in to this negative side but Im so glad that you were able to find your positive community of women who brings out the best in everyone. We need more of those 🙂
Awesome stuff I love to see good in the world. I no longer browse the internet or watch the news cuz of the negativity — great to see good things still!
I am always moved by acts of kindness. Myfamilyvolunteer once a month at a local homeless shelter.We do it as a family and it teaches all an important lesson. I have and continue to have struggles and am grateful for people in my life that offered than kindness.
It makes me disappointed when I see people hurting other people. It soo soothing to see that we have some people left in this world who pursue acts of generosity to help the community and to live a better life. Kudos to your thinking!
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This tribe of generous women and some men swung into action. By 5pm an Amazon list had been put up and shortly thereafter, this young mother found herself with a fully equipped kitchen, bedding for all, and for God’s sake a DINING ROOM TABLE AND CHAIRS! And many other things. Gift cards were on their way, too.
And then, the next day I got this:
That’s wonderful that so many people came together to help that mom out! I love when people do good to help each other out.
With all the bad in the world, it is so refreshing to know that there is still a lot of good. With mass shootings, hurricanes, tragedies, wild fires and all the madness happening these days, I switched it off ((temporarily) just to give myself a mental and emotional break. By tomorrow I’ll turn it back on though! WHY? Because I want to look for the positive. Bad news is often mixed with stirring examples of human kindness. And those acts of human kindness in the midst or tragedy can be uplifting to the soul!Like the one you’ve shared!
I’m touched that you wrote about this. Seeing our circle come together for my not Starbucks barista friend did my heart so much good! I’m honored and blessed to call you all friends. From the bottom of my heart, thank you! ❤️
Felicia, your heart shines so brightly! I am honored to know YOU and the crew!! and to be part of your generosity revolution. xoxo
There is so much good in the world even though all we seem to hear about is the bad. Hopefully we can change the world one good deed at a time.
The only bright spot from this administration has been the glimpses of the beautiful people who have stepped into the breach.Or breaches.
It is so wonderful that everyone came together to help this young mother and her kids.It is so nice to see good in this world with all the bad that has been going on.
You are such an amazing person. It is so wonderful hearing the story. I hope more and more people will do the same.
It’s awesome that so many people came through for her! That was really generous! People definitely have to reach out and help each other in times of need.
I love hearing about the generosity of those women you have connected with online. I believe the majority of people are good. It’s the bad ones we hear about.
What an amazing act of kindness. Stories like this make me feel better in these tumultuous times.
That is such a life-affirming story. Acts of kindness like this deserve more visibility.
So true. This is life-affirmING and an inspiration. Better to light one candle than to curse the darkness.
Extending yourself to help someone in need is always personally fulfilling. Acts of kindness as that referenced in this article gives us hope in the midst of all that is swirling around. I t makes us believe again. It makes us believe us that there is still goodness in the world.Doing kind deeds gives us a good feeling almost like the high experienced by runners. Kindness really does make us happier.
I’m not surprised at this story,you with such an open and giving heart. I feel privileged to know you, even if it’s online. Beth
PS My husband is the hero in our family. He volunteers 3 days a week, helping the homeless find work.
Moments like that make you believe in the world again. A little kindness goes a long way and it’s amazing how much people can do when they work towards one beautiful goal. Thanks for sharing this beautiful story! Your products are lovely!
This is so beautiful! It really restores your faith in humanity when people come together like this to help others in need. It just shows that there really are great people out there that care, and when we come together, we can move mountains.
The online community has two sides and I’ve interacted with both the bad and the good… I’ve had people tear down my post on twitter because they were against certain politicians where I was merely posting a flat lay for fashion purposes. I never want to give in to this negative side but Im so glad that you were able to find your positive community of women who brings out the best in everyone. We need more of those 🙂
Reading your heartwarming post is just what I needed today.Thanks for sharing!
That is so inspiring to see in these times. People coming together to love on and help people who really need it.
Good for her! I love seeing people like this mom getting the help they deserve.
Awesome stuff I love to see good in the world. I no longer browse the internet or watch the news cuz of the negativity — great to see good things still!
This is really amazing and inspirational! I love hearing stories of generosity! Kudos to you and your tribe!
It’s so great that you found is group of inspirational people online. And it’s inspirational to hear that everyone bonded together to help out F!
i always wonder why generosity is hard to come by in this world. it cheers my heart to see that there are still amazing people around!
While there definitely is a lot of negative on social media, there is also so much good. I love this blog post you shared.
I am always moved by acts of kindness. Myfamilyvolunteer once a month at a local homeless shelter.We do it as a family and it teaches all an important lesson. I have and continue to have struggles and am grateful for people in my life that offered than kindness.
It makes me disappointed when I see people hurting other people. It soo soothing to see that we have some people left in this world who pursue acts of generosity to help the community and to live a better life. Kudos to your thinking!