Category Archives: Acts of Kindness

Acting our way into feeling

Posted on July 26, 2017 by vincentsmithauthor

For most of us, the way we act is determined by the way we feel. So, for example, if we don’t like somebody, we’ll probably think it impossible to treat them nicely. But one of the great insights of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Actions, Acts of Kindness, Feeling | Leave a comment

‘We could not afford to lose a voice like that’

Posted on June 5, 2015 by vincentsmithauthor

Placido Domingo and Jose Carreras were once on opposite sides of the political divide so much so that Carreras refused to appear on the same stage as Domingo. But then he contracted leukemia and almost went bankrupt paying for treatments. … Continue reading →

Posted in Actions, Acts of Kindness, Generous spirit, Gratitude, Greatness, humility, Nobility | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Do it anyway

Posted on May 19, 2015 by vincentsmithauthor

The famous English preacher John Stott was a great advocate of the importance of practicing virtue even when the consequences work against you. He said: ‘Some People are illogical, unreasonable and self-centered. Love them anyway. If you do good, people … Continue reading →

Posted in Actions, Acts of Kindness, Attitude, Character, Faithfulness, Great Endeavours, Greatness, Life's journey, Overcoming, risk takers, Self Discipline, Servant leadership, Spiritual Leaders, True greatness | Leave a comment

Virtue is not a commodity

Posted on May 11, 2015 by vincentsmithauthor

There’s a story about a wealthy man who gave his minister a cheque for fifty thousand dollars made out to the church. The minister, however, handed it back and said: ‘Go and cash it in for five dollar bills and … Continue reading →

Posted in Acts of Kindness, Compassion, Doing what has to be done, love, Sympathy and Support | Tagged | Leave a comment

Add some applause and watch things grow

Posted on March 21, 2015 by vincentsmithauthor

One of the most difficult musical instruments to learn is the violin, but in recent times the Suzuki method has taken much of the pain out of it. The first thing it teaches children is a proper stance, and the … Continue reading →

Posted in Acts of Kindness, Affirmation, Applause, Appreciation, Life, Life's journey, Living Life, Motivation | Leave a comment

Touching the untouchable

Posted on January 4, 2015 by vincentsmithauthor

One of the greatest men of the Twentieth Century was Mahatma Gandhi. Most people know him for having led India in its struggle for independence and for his advocacy of non violent protest. But Gandhi did other great things too. … Continue reading →

Posted in Acts of Kindness, God in us, God with us, Justice, Living Life, Losers, Love of Christ, Mercy, New Life, Regeneration, Spiritual blessing | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Feelings can change when actions do

Posted on November 2, 2014 by vincentsmithauthor

George Crane tells of a woman who came to him for marriage counselling. She was very bitter about her husband and wanted to divorce him in a way that would hurt him like he’d hurt her. So George, craftily, suggested … Continue reading →

Posted in Actions, Acts of Kindness, Feelings, Revenge | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

The people who count most don’t receive awards

Posted on June 5, 2014 by vincentsmithauthor

When you get to thinking about what and who really matters in this world, ask yourself these questions: who were the last five Academy Award winners for best actor? Who were the last five winners of the Miss Universe contest? … Continue reading →

Posted in Acts of Kindness, Awareness, Compassion, fame, important people, Inspiration, Life's journey, Living Life, Mercy, relationships, True greatness | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

The Power of an Encouraging Word

Posted on April 9, 2014 by vincentsmithauthor

Fifteen year old Douglas Maurer went into depression when he was diagnosed with leukemia and learned he was to have three years of chemotherapy that would send him bald and bloated. To cheer him up his aunt ordered some flowers; … Continue reading →

Posted in Acts of Kindness, Anxiety, Generous spirit, Healing, Hope, hope and love, inner peace, Inspiration, Living Life, Power, Strength, supportive community, tribulation and trouble | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Virus Called Peace

Posted on March 24, 2014 by vincentsmithauthor

I once received an email warning me of the spread of a virus called “Inner Peace.” It told me to be alert for symptoms that could pose a serious threat to my usual stable condition of conflict. These symptoms include: … Continue reading →

Posted in Acts of Kindness, Appreciation, Attitude, Awareness, Compassion, Contentment, Faith, Forgiveness, Generous spirit, Grace, Happiness, Healing, hope and love, inner peace, Inspirational, Jesus, Joy, Knowing God, love, Mercy, Personal Growth, Seeing Jesus, Spirituality, thankfulness, Transformation, Unselfishness | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment