Wheelcorps
November 30, 2009 Filed in: Blog
Todays entry is about a
group of people trying to change the world.
Sometimes being the
blessing comes in the form of small acts of kindness
and other times it is something big or even world
changing. There are a group of people from the Ohio
Valley trying to raise awareness and money for the Free
Wheelchair Mission by marching in local Christmas
parades with Free Wheelchair Mission wheelchairs. They
call themselves Wheelcorps, and are consistently
receiving applause from the crowds gathered to watch
the parades.
In two weeks (December 12) they will be marching in the Steubenville, Ohio parade. Come on out and cheer them on or better yet join the team. Send an email to fwmwms@gmail.com to find out more.
There is no better Christmas present than the gift of mobility, and you get to give it twice. Once to the person in the developing world getting the wheelchair and a second time to a friend or relative in the form of a Christmas card that explains that their present is... someone in a developing country is off the ground this Christmas and it is in their honor that this ultimate act of kindness was done. They can even go online and pick a country to send their wheelchair to.
If you are looking for a way to Be the Blessing, to change the world, and give a meaningful gift all at the same time, let me highly recommend giving wheelchairs. Click here to order your chairs and cards.
Thanks for Being the Blessing,
Chris
In two weeks (December 12) they will be marching in the Steubenville, Ohio parade. Come on out and cheer them on or better yet join the team. Send an email to fwmwms@gmail.com to find out more.
There is no better Christmas present than the gift of mobility, and you get to give it twice. Once to the person in the developing world getting the wheelchair and a second time to a friend or relative in the form of a Christmas card that explains that their present is... someone in a developing country is off the ground this Christmas and it is in their honor that this ultimate act of kindness was done. They can even go online and pick a country to send their wheelchair to.
If you are looking for a way to Be the Blessing, to change the world, and give a meaningful gift all at the same time, let me highly recommend giving wheelchairs. Click here to order your chairs and cards.
Thanks for Being the Blessing,
Chris
Make My Day
November 17, 2009 Filed in: Blog
A letter from Wheeling
West Virginia today....
Today, I gave
someone a penny so they won't get 99 cents back. You
would have thought is was a big deal. Than I realized
it was the act of kindness that was the big deal. I
went outside to the street and I saw a guy flagging
down a car with a woman driving. He handed her a white
rose. I stopped the lady and said how sweet he was,
well she did not know him!!! He broke up with his
girlfriend last night and decided to give the rose to
the first woman he saw this morning. WOW.....
Make someones day, by being the blessing.
Make someones day, by being the blessing.
What I Can Do
October 30, 2009 Filed in: Blog
Kathy writes in from
Martins Ferry, Ohio...
My story isn't
all that unique I guess. Since I've been dealing
with health issues since 2001 that has made it
difficult for me to work any longer, I spend much of my
day at home "sitting", unless I'm sleeping (from
fatigue associated with health issues). So, I've
recently taken up the hobby of photography, which I can
do from a "seated" position. What has been a saving
grace for me, has turned into a "blessing" for others,
or so I've been told. I've captured photos for
family and friends that have been once in a lifetime
opportunities. Given that I've got so much free
time now, I've also been able to travel around the area
and take scenic photos as well as photos of buildings
in town that have since been demolished. I may
not be able to do much anymore but by the grace of God,
I can help provide small blessings for others, in a
world that needs a little more blessing.
There is a song I heard a few years ago that goes " its not just what your born with, its what you choose to bear, its not how large your share is but it's how much you can share, and it's not the fights you dreamed of, its those you really fought, it's not how much your given it's what you do with what you got." Kathy, in the face of some difficult life circumstances you are doing tremendous things with "what you got", and you're Being the Blessing to friends and family in the process. This is a great Be the Blessing story... Thanks for inspiring all of us.
There is a song I heard a few years ago that goes " its not just what your born with, its what you choose to bear, its not how large your share is but it's how much you can share, and it's not the fights you dreamed of, its those you really fought, it's not how much your given it's what you do with what you got." Kathy, in the face of some difficult life circumstances you are doing tremendous things with "what you got", and you're Being the Blessing to friends and family in the process. This is a great Be the Blessing story... Thanks for inspiring all of us.
Life Line Please
October 23, 2009 Filed in: Blog
Jim writes in from
Wheeling, WV...
I was on a
business trip and I pulled off interstate in Waynesburg
for a couple quick errands. Before getting back
the road, I drove into Wendy's to grab lunch in a bag.
I had been searching for a be the blessing
opportunity, and as I stood in line, I thought about
buying the guy behind me a lunch. He was a pretty
big boy, and my wallet was really light that day. I
figured he wouldn't be ordering from the value menu, so
I decided to wait for the next opportunity.
As I exited, a young girl and her boyfriend were standing beside their car in the drive thru line. Her car had just stopped dead. I put my lunch in my car and the boy and I pushed the dead car off into a parking stall. I asked if she had someone coming to help her. She told me she would call her dad, as she only lived about 10 miles away.
I got back in my car, started it, and was ready to go. Then I thought about exceeding expectations in Being the Blessing. I know alittle about cars, but I know a friend who knows a lot about cars. I called him, told him the make and year of the car and what the problem was. Believe it or not, he told me to get under neath and beat on the gas tank. I thought he was pulling my leg, but did it anyway. The car started, the girl and guy said thanks, and I went on my way.
Way to think outside the box Jim. So often we can do more then we initially think to help others. When we go the extra mile, we surprise people with kindness, and the impact of that is huge. It is what we are made for, and it brightens everyones day.
Thanks for Being the Blessing,
Chris
As I exited, a young girl and her boyfriend were standing beside their car in the drive thru line. Her car had just stopped dead. I put my lunch in my car and the boy and I pushed the dead car off into a parking stall. I asked if she had someone coming to help her. She told me she would call her dad, as she only lived about 10 miles away.
I got back in my car, started it, and was ready to go. Then I thought about exceeding expectations in Being the Blessing. I know alittle about cars, but I know a friend who knows a lot about cars. I called him, told him the make and year of the car and what the problem was. Believe it or not, he told me to get under neath and beat on the gas tank. I thought he was pulling my leg, but did it anyway. The car started, the girl and guy said thanks, and I went on my way.
Way to think outside the box Jim. So often we can do more then we initially think to help others. When we go the extra mile, we surprise people with kindness, and the impact of that is huge. It is what we are made for, and it brightens everyones day.
Thanks for Being the Blessing,
Chris
Party In A Bag
October 15, 2009 Filed in: Blog
Kathleen from Bellaire,
Ohio writes in...
My blessing is a
simple one, but it put a smile on the persons face... I
ran into a former co-worker last week, and he told me
that it was his last weekend at our old employers. He
was moving on to pursue another career. I worked with
this guy for 2 years. And he is one of the nicest
people that I have ever met. That night I went to
Walmart and bought him a cake, and some pop and plates
and stuff and showed up unannounced at his job... When
he came to the door to let me in, I said "Party in a
bag"! I told him I wanted to send him off right! To
make a long story short, he and my other former
co-workers enjoyed the suprise "party" and I enjoyed
putting a smile on their faces, especially my friend
who found a new job... It's fun to bless others and by
doing so you receive a blessing yourself from seeing
the smile you put on someone elses
face!
Thanks, Kathleen, for Being the Blessing and spreading the love.
Chris
Thanks, Kathleen, for Being the Blessing and spreading the love.
Chris
The Power Of One
October 07, 2009 Filed in: Blog
Barbie writes in from
Glendale WV with this great story...
I'm so happy to
hear about Be The Blessing. What a great thing. It's so
easy to be kind to people and help them if we can.
A year and 5 months ago, I started a foundation to help families in need. Just by paying attention to people and listning to what they say, it's easy to figure out what kind of help they need. So far I have helped 11 families. I have sent a little girl to church camp, gave a lady a bed that didn't have one, a bassenet to a lady that need one for her new baby, and even got a new stove for a family that did not have one. I've only had $105.00 in donations. I pretty much do it with out any financial help at all. It makes me so happy to help people. It is very rewarding.
Thank you for what you are doing. Perhaps it will be contagous.
Thanks Barbie for your story. One person jumping in and making a difference in the lives of the people who come your way is what it is all about. You are an inspiration to all of us.
Thanks for Being the Blessing,
Chris
A year and 5 months ago, I started a foundation to help families in need. Just by paying attention to people and listning to what they say, it's easy to figure out what kind of help they need. So far I have helped 11 families. I have sent a little girl to church camp, gave a lady a bed that didn't have one, a bassenet to a lady that need one for her new baby, and even got a new stove for a family that did not have one. I've only had $105.00 in donations. I pretty much do it with out any financial help at all. It makes me so happy to help people. It is very rewarding.
Thank you for what you are doing. Perhaps it will be contagous.
Thanks Barbie for your story. One person jumping in and making a difference in the lives of the people who come your way is what it is all about. You are an inspiration to all of us.
Thanks for Being the Blessing,
Chris
That's What Neighbors Are For
October 05, 2009 Filed in: Blog
Anonymous from Wheeling WV
writes in...
My neighbor, a
vibrant middle aged woman, had a debilitating
stroke a few months ago which left her partially
parilized on one side. This has created an a burden for
her husband requiring him to take a leave of absence
from work to care for her 24/7. Financial resources as
well as sitters for the home have been limited.
Our neighborhood all pitched in to assist with medical expenses. Personally, I don't have much money to offer as our household is suffering finiancial woes itself. My contribution has been to share a home cooked meal on the weekends as well as my time one evening a week to sit with her. My effort doesn't seem like much to me as compared to the weight of their situation, but it's the little things that matter & this is what changes the world.
We all have different ways that we can Be the Blessing. Some of us can contribute financially, others with time or food or in some other way. The bottom line is we all have something to offer, and this story is a heart warming example of an entire neighborhood jumping in and Being the Blessing, each in their own way. What a difference for that family.
Thanks for Being the Blessing!!!
Chris
Our neighborhood all pitched in to assist with medical expenses. Personally, I don't have much money to offer as our household is suffering finiancial woes itself. My contribution has been to share a home cooked meal on the weekends as well as my time one evening a week to sit with her. My effort doesn't seem like much to me as compared to the weight of their situation, but it's the little things that matter & this is what changes the world.
We all have different ways that we can Be the Blessing. Some of us can contribute financially, others with time or food or in some other way. The bottom line is we all have something to offer, and this story is a heart warming example of an entire neighborhood jumping in and Being the Blessing, each in their own way. What a difference for that family.
Thanks for Being the Blessing!!!
Chris
Coupon Fairy
September 30, 2009 Filed in: Blog
Audra wrote in this week
with this great Be the Blessing story...
I am an avid
bargain hunter and coupon user. One day, there
was a deal that I really wanted to make happen however,
I did not have the right coupon. I was
discouraged and planning to leave the store and search
the internet for the desired coupon when something
caught my eye. I saw a little piece of paper
beside the item on the shelf. Lo and behold, this
little piece of paper was the exact coupon I was
lacking! Such joy!
Since then I have tried to leave some coupons behind in an effort to bless others. I have walked up to new moms in the store and handed them coupons for the items they are contemplating. I hand out coupons and tips on deals to the random person walking through the store. I might just be the crazy coupon lady.
I must say that I feel like I have been blessed more by the people I have met through sharing coupons than I have by the coupons themselves!
Audra you might indeed be that crazy coupon lady. Spreading blessing through coupons is such a cool idea. The fact that you love coupons and that Being the Blessing in this way is simply an extension of something you already love makes this especially cool. Going out of your way to bless complete strangers with coupon savings is fun, unexpected and downright daring. Keep up the great work!
Thanks for Being the Blessing!!!
Since then I have tried to leave some coupons behind in an effort to bless others. I have walked up to new moms in the store and handed them coupons for the items they are contemplating. I hand out coupons and tips on deals to the random person walking through the store. I might just be the crazy coupon lady.
I must say that I feel like I have been blessed more by the people I have met through sharing coupons than I have by the coupons themselves!
Audra you might indeed be that crazy coupon lady. Spreading blessing through coupons is such a cool idea. The fact that you love coupons and that Being the Blessing in this way is simply an extension of something you already love makes this especially cool. Going out of your way to bless complete strangers with coupon savings is fun, unexpected and downright daring. Keep up the great work!
Thanks for Being the Blessing!!!
Fix it
September 26, 2009 Filed in: Blog
Here is a great Be the
Blessing story from Jim, that happened in Waynesburg
PA...
I was on a
business trip, and I pulled off the highway for a
couple quick errands. Before getting back onto
I-79, I drove into Wendy's to grab a lunch for the
road. I have had my eye open for opportunities to
Be the Blessing, and as I stood in line, I thought
about buying the guy behind me a lunch. He was a
pretty big boy though, and my wallet was really light
that day. I figured he wouldn't be ordering from the
value menu, so I decided to wait for the next
opportunity.
As I exited, a young girl and her boyfriend, I presume, were standing beside their car in the drive thru line. It seems her car had just stopped dead. I put my lunch in my car and the boy and I pushed the Dead Cadillac off into a parking stall. I asked if she had someone coming to help her. She told me she would call her dad, as she only lived about 10 miles away.
I got back in my car, started it, and was ready to go. Then I thought about Being the Blessing and going the extra mile. I know a little about cars, but I have a friend who knows a lot about cars. I called him, told him the make and year of the car and what the problem was. Believe it or not, he told me to get underneath and beat on the gas tank. I thought he was pulling my leg, but I did it anyway. The car started, the girl and guy said thanks, and I went on my way.
Great story Jim!!! Thanks for keeping your eyes open, and going the extra mile. A phone call and a whack on a gas tank.... Who would have thought.
Thanks for Being the Blessing!
As I exited, a young girl and her boyfriend, I presume, were standing beside their car in the drive thru line. It seems her car had just stopped dead. I put my lunch in my car and the boy and I pushed the Dead Cadillac off into a parking stall. I asked if she had someone coming to help her. She told me she would call her dad, as she only lived about 10 miles away.
I got back in my car, started it, and was ready to go. Then I thought about Being the Blessing and going the extra mile. I know a little about cars, but I have a friend who knows a lot about cars. I called him, told him the make and year of the car and what the problem was. Believe it or not, he told me to get underneath and beat on the gas tank. I thought he was pulling my leg, but I did it anyway. The car started, the girl and guy said thanks, and I went on my way.
Great story Jim!!! Thanks for keeping your eyes open, and going the extra mile. A phone call and a whack on a gas tank.... Who would have thought.
Thanks for Being the Blessing!
Family FUNdraiser
September 24, 2009 Filed in: Blog
Good day
Be the Blessing friends. Bill writes in from
Triadelphia, WV...
Last December our family took on a project to
raise $5,000 for a
non-profit charity that funds water projects for those
without safe drinking water. 1.1 billion people lack
safe water. That is one in six people on earth. We have
only $600 more dollars to hit the $5,000
goal.
Way to go Bill and family! It is amazing how much you have done in such a short period of time, and how many people you have touched around the world from your home in West Virginia. Finding a project to support helping the poorest of the poor is a great way to Be the Blessing to those who unable to do anything in return. And that is one of life's highest callings. Whether wheelchairs for the 100 million disabled poor in developing countries or water for the 1.1 Billion without... A family project like this gives you and your family something beyond yourselves to work towards and really does make a huge difference for others.
Thanks for Being the Blessing,
Chris
Last December our family took on a project to
Way to go Bill and family! It is amazing how much you have done in such a short period of time, and how many people you have touched around the world from your home in West Virginia. Finding a project to support helping the poorest of the poor is a great way to Be the Blessing to those who unable to do anything in return. And that is one of life's highest callings. Whether wheelchairs for the 100 million disabled poor in developing countries or water for the 1.1 Billion without... A family project like this gives you and your family something beyond yourselves to work towards and really does make a huge difference for others.
Thanks for Being the Blessing,
Chris
Dryer
September 21, 2009 Filed in: Blog
Jason wrote in from
Wheeling, WV with this fantastic story,
My wife is a
school teacher. On a particular day a student was
late for school. She had received an e-mail
notification to permit the student to class. The
e-mail explained that the student said he had been late
to school because his clothing had not dried. My
wife recalled in telling me the story, that she felt
compelled to investigate the circumstances further.
She learned that the student's parents had recently married and they had moved into a residence that was very modest. The family washed clothes either at the laundrymat or in the sink and then put the clothing on the line to dry. She became very excited because it just so happened that we had an extra washer and dryer set in the garage from our own recent move.
She contacted the family, and we loaded up the washer and dryer and delivered it to the students home. That's one small tardy excuse down, and she is on the hunt to debunk others!!
Wow! What an extraordinary act of kindness. We all have used things laying around the house and garage that we intend to sell someday. Sometimes it's just more rewarding or simply the right thing to do to Be the Blessing and gift it, rather then sell the item and get the money. Good luck with debunking the rest of the tardy excuses!
Thanks for Being the Blessing!!!
Chris
She learned that the student's parents had recently married and they had moved into a residence that was very modest. The family washed clothes either at the laundrymat or in the sink and then put the clothing on the line to dry. She became very excited because it just so happened that we had an extra washer and dryer set in the garage from our own recent move.
She contacted the family, and we loaded up the washer and dryer and delivered it to the students home. That's one small tardy excuse down, and she is on the hunt to debunk others!!
Wow! What an extraordinary act of kindness. We all have used things laying around the house and garage that we intend to sell someday. Sometimes it's just more rewarding or simply the right thing to do to Be the Blessing and gift it, rather then sell the item and get the money. Good luck with debunking the rest of the tardy excuses!
Thanks for Being the Blessing!!!
Chris
Gas Grill
September 19, 2009 Filed in: Blog
Cherie writes in from
Shadyside, Ohio....
I went to Lowes
to pick up our gas grill that had been assembled. They
called back for them to bring it up and I noticed that
they wheeled two of them to the front.
There was another couple that was picking up theirs at the same time. (I thought what are the chances of that?). Theirs got loaded and I was going out to move my truck and the gentleman stopped me and said to check mine because theirs was all beat up.
I went back in and the lady was visibly upset because they were having company that night and she couldn't take the grill as is. They did not have any more assembled and it would be two days before she could get one.
I took a big sigh and told her to take mine and I would wait. The people at Lowes just looked at me and I explained "Be the Blessing". The customer had heard of it and just thanked and thanked me and assured me that she would pass the blessing on...
Simple, easy and what a difference for those folks having the cookout. There are opportunities to be the blessing going on all around us, all the time. And like Cherie said... What are the chances? Same grill, same place, same time! Have fun being a part of miracles - big and small - and have a blast changing the world one blessing at a time. It's what we were all made for.
Thanks for Being the Blessing,
Chris
There was another couple that was picking up theirs at the same time. (I thought what are the chances of that?). Theirs got loaded and I was going out to move my truck and the gentleman stopped me and said to check mine because theirs was all beat up.
I went back in and the lady was visibly upset because they were having company that night and she couldn't take the grill as is. They did not have any more assembled and it would be two days before she could get one.
I took a big sigh and told her to take mine and I would wait. The people at Lowes just looked at me and I explained "Be the Blessing". The customer had heard of it and just thanked and thanked me and assured me that she would pass the blessing on...
Simple, easy and what a difference for those folks having the cookout. There are opportunities to be the blessing going on all around us, all the time. And like Cherie said... What are the chances? Same grill, same place, same time! Have fun being a part of miracles - big and small - and have a blast changing the world one blessing at a time. It's what we were all made for.
Thanks for Being the Blessing,
Chris
Ahhhh!
September 17, 2009 Filed in: Blog
Nikki from Wheeling, WV
writes in with this refreshing story.....
I was in line at
Kroger and a woman came in line behind me asking, "Is
THIS the line with Diet Pepsi in it?" She sounded
weary, was carrying a baby in an infant seat, and had
several prescription bags in her other hand. I
told her that indeed it WAS the line with Diet Pepsi in
it (I look for the same line!). She started to
rummage through her purse with difficulty, so I told
her that I would be glad to add it to my grocery
purchase. She was taken aback a bit (as was the
cashier), and didn't quite know what to say.
After the cashier had scanned her drink, I let
her ahead of me to leave the line. She turned
around and said, "This REALLY helps. Thank you."
It is truly amazing how small but surprising acts of kindness can impact someone's day. Way to go Nikki!!!!
Thanks for Being the Blessing
It is truly amazing how small but surprising acts of kindness can impact someone's day. Way to go Nikki!!!!
Thanks for Being the Blessing
Gift Card
September 15, 2009 Filed in: Blog
Hey Be the Blessing
Friends,
This story comes in anonymously from St. Clairsville, Ohio. They write...
We were eating
at a local restaurant the other day when we overheard a
server telling the people at the next table how her
husband had emergency surgery and almost died. She went
on to say that when he went back to his work, his
position had been eliminated. We heard her say that he
finally had landed a new job, but wouldn't be receiving
a check for three weeks.
I remembered that I had a gift card for Wal Mart in my wallet that I received for my birthday. We asked the server to come to our table and told her we heard her story about her husband. We asked her if she had ever heard of "Be the Blessing". She said she had seen it on TV. We gave her the gift card...telling her it was our way of "Being the Blessing". Tears were held back and she thanked us so much for blessing her and her husband.
We are thinking we need to keep gift cards with us at all times with Be the Blessing "pass it on" cards. We were blessed and we know she and her husband were too. We find ourselves getting up every day wondering how we can "Be the Blessing" for today.
What a great way to be the blessing! Passing on a gift card to someone in need can make their day, and it sounds like the waitress needed a blessing at that very moment. Keep your eyes open, there are opportunities all around to make a person's day, and to change the world one small blessing at a time.
Thanks for Being the Blessing,
Chris
This story comes in anonymously from St. Clairsville, Ohio. They write...
I remembered that I had a gift card for Wal Mart in my wallet that I received for my birthday. We asked the server to come to our table and told her we heard her story about her husband. We asked her if she had ever heard of "Be the Blessing". She said she had seen it on TV. We gave her the gift card...telling her it was our way of "Being the Blessing". Tears were held back and she thanked us so much for blessing her and her husband.
We are thinking we need to keep gift cards with us at all times with Be the Blessing "pass it on" cards. We were blessed and we know she and her husband were too. We find ourselves getting up every day wondering how we can "Be the Blessing" for today.
What a great way to be the blessing! Passing on a gift card to someone in need can make their day, and it sounds like the waitress needed a blessing at that very moment. Keep your eyes open, there are opportunities all around to make a person's day, and to change the world one small blessing at a time.
Thanks for Being the Blessing,
Chris
The Bracelet
September 12, 2009 Filed in: Blog
Hey BTB Friends, Mike
writes in from Wheeling, WV with this story,
A friend gave me
a Be the Blessing bracelet to wear. As I sat several
times this week in traffic, with my left hand on top of
the steering wheel, I did not want to let anyone else
out, for fear of being late. Then I would notice the
bracelet on my wrist. I would remember that I had not
"Been the Blessing" yet today. I then would wave other
people out into traffic.
Guess what!! I was NOT late for anything.
Most of us want to Be the Blessing, we just forget sometimes, like when we are driving. Little reminders go a long way in helping us stay on track. So make it your mission, keep yourself reminded, take the opportunities, and you will change the world.
Thanks for Being the Blessing!
Guess what!! I was NOT late for anything.
Most of us want to Be the Blessing, we just forget sometimes, like when we are driving. Little reminders go a long way in helping us stay on track. So make it your mission, keep yourself reminded, take the opportunities, and you will change the world.
Thanks for Being the Blessing!
Sack Lunches
September 11, 2009 Filed in: Blog
Hey Be the Blessing
friends,
This Blog is dedicated to telling your stories of changing the world one blessing at a time. This story came to us via an email forward, and so I can’t confirm the source. But it illustrates Be the Blessing as well as any story I have heard to date. As you read I think you will understand the authenticity of this event and the spirit in which we all should be living.
I put my carry-on in the luggage compartment
and sat down in
my assigned seat. It was going to be a long flight.
'I'm glad I have a good book to read.
Perhaps I will get a short nap,' I thought. Just
before take-off, a line of soldiers came down the aisle
and filled all the vacant seats, totally surrounding
me. I decided to start a conversation.
'Where are you headed?' I asked the soldier seated nearest to me. 'Petawawa. We'll be there for two weeks for special training, and then we're being deployed to Afghanistan.
After flying for about an hour, an announcement was made that sack lunches were available for five dollars. It would be several hours before we reached the east, and I quickly decided a lunch would help pass the time.
As I reached for my wallet, I overheard a soldier ask his buddy if he planned to buy lunch. 'No, that seems like a lot of money for just a sack lunch. Probably wouldn't be worth five bucks. I'll wait till we get to base'. His friend agreed.
I looked around at the other Soldiers. None were buying lunch. I walked to the back of the plane and handed the flight attendant a fifty dollar bill.
'Take a lunch to all those soldiers.' She grabbed my arms and squeezed tightly. Her eyes wet with tears, she thanked me. 'My son was a soldier in Iraq; it's almost like you are doing it for him.'
Picking up ten sacks, she headed up the aisle to where the soldiers were seated. She stopped at my seat and asked, 'Which do you like best - beef or chicken?' 'Chicken,' I replied, wondering why she asked.
She turned and went to the front of plane, returning a minute later with a dinner plate from First class. 'This is your thanks.'
After we finished eating, I went again to the back of the plane, heading for the rest room. A man stopped me. 'I saw what you did. I want to be part of it. Here, take this.' He handed me twenty-five dollars.
Soon after I returned to my seat, I saw the Flight Captain coming down the aisle, looking at the aisle numbers as he walked. I hoped he was not looking for me, but noticed he was looking at the numbers only on my side of the plane. When he got to my row he stopped, smiled, held out his hand, and said, 'I want to shake your hand.'
Quickly unfastening my seat belt I stood and took the Captain's hand. With a booming voice he said, 'I was a soldier, and I was a military pilot. Once, someone bought me a lunch. It was an act of kindness I never forgot.' I was embarrassed when applause was heard from all of the passengers.
Later I walked to the front of the plane so I could stretch my legs. A man who was seated about six rows in front of me reached out his hand, wanting to shake mine. He left another twenty-five dollars in my palm.
When we landed I gathered my belongings and started to deplane. Waiting just inside the airplane door was a man who stopped me, put something in my shirt pocket, turned, and walked away without saying a word. Another twenty-five dollars!
Upon entering the terminal, I saw the soldiers gathering for their trip to the base. I walked over to them and handed them seventy-five dollars. 'It will take you some time to reach the base. It will be about time for a sandwich. God Bless You.'
Ten young men left that flight feeling the love and respect of their fellow travelers. As I walked briskly to my car, I whispered a prayer for their safe return.
This gentleman’s act of kindness not only affected those soldiers who got to have lunch, but an entire plane full of people, and in reality, all of us who are inspired by his story. Being the Blessing is all about changing the world one small blessing at a time. Don’t miss your opportunities today.
Thanks for Being the Blessing!
This Blog is dedicated to telling your stories of changing the world one blessing at a time. This story came to us via an email forward, and so I can’t confirm the source. But it illustrates Be the Blessing as well as any story I have heard to date. As you read I think you will understand the authenticity of this event and the spirit in which we all should be living.
I put my carry-on in the luggage compartment
'Where are you headed?' I asked the soldier seated nearest to me. 'Petawawa. We'll be there for two weeks for special training, and then we're being deployed to Afghanistan.
After flying for about an hour, an announcement was made that sack lunches were available for five dollars. It would be several hours before we reached the east, and I quickly decided a lunch would help pass the time.
As I reached for my wallet, I overheard a soldier ask his buddy if he planned to buy lunch. 'No, that seems like a lot of money for just a sack lunch. Probably wouldn't be worth five bucks. I'll wait till we get to base'. His friend agreed.
I looked around at the other Soldiers. None were buying lunch. I walked to the back of the plane and handed the flight attendant a fifty dollar bill.
'Take a lunch to all those soldiers.' She grabbed my arms and squeezed tightly. Her eyes wet with tears, she thanked me. 'My son was a soldier in Iraq; it's almost like you are doing it for him.'
Picking up ten sacks, she headed up the aisle to where the soldiers were seated. She stopped at my seat and asked, 'Which do you like best - beef or chicken?' 'Chicken,' I replied, wondering why she asked.
She turned and went to the front of plane, returning a minute later with a dinner plate from First class. 'This is your thanks.'
After we finished eating, I went again to the back of the plane, heading for the rest room. A man stopped me. 'I saw what you did. I want to be part of it. Here, take this.' He handed me twenty-five dollars.
Soon after I returned to my seat, I saw the Flight Captain coming down the aisle, looking at the aisle numbers as he walked. I hoped he was not looking for me, but noticed he was looking at the numbers only on my side of the plane. When he got to my row he stopped, smiled, held out his hand, and said, 'I want to shake your hand.'
Quickly unfastening my seat belt I stood and took the Captain's hand. With a booming voice he said, 'I was a soldier, and I was a military pilot. Once, someone bought me a lunch. It was an act of kindness I never forgot.' I was embarrassed when applause was heard from all of the passengers.
Later I walked to the front of the plane so I could stretch my legs. A man who was seated about six rows in front of me reached out his hand, wanting to shake mine. He left another twenty-five dollars in my palm.
When we landed I gathered my belongings and started to deplane. Waiting just inside the airplane door was a man who stopped me, put something in my shirt pocket, turned, and walked away without saying a word. Another twenty-five dollars!
Upon entering the terminal, I saw the soldiers gathering for their trip to the base. I walked over to them and handed them seventy-five dollars. 'It will take you some time to reach the base. It will be about time for a sandwich. God Bless You.'
Ten young men left that flight feeling the love and respect of their fellow travelers. As I walked briskly to my car, I whispered a prayer for their safe return.
This gentleman’s act of kindness not only affected those soldiers who got to have lunch, but an entire plane full of people, and in reality, all of us who are inspired by his story. Being the Blessing is all about changing the world one small blessing at a time. Don’t miss your opportunities today.
Thanks for Being the Blessing!
It Feels Good To Be the Blessing
September 10, 2009 Filed in: Blog
Hey Be the Blessing
friends... Philip writes in from Wheeling, WV with this
story...
My family and I were on our way to pick up my mother-in-law to go to a fundraiser. Half way down Wheeling hill we came upon a car facing the other direction, stopped in the inside lane with its blinkers on and a lady inside waving an arm outside her window. Since it wasn't a good place to stop we drove farther down the hill till we could safely turn around, then went back and parked behind the broken-down car.
After speaking briefly with the lady I called police and asked for a dispatch. Then I let her use my phone to call the garage. I remembered that we had a triangle in our van, so I got it out and set it up about 50 yards behind our van. This helped tremendously as vehicles coming up the hill could see the triangle before hitting the bend in the road, and slow down.
Wheeling PD soon showed up and we drove off.
I know we were a blessing to the lady because after she had used my phone she said, "It's good to know there are still good people in our community."
It is good to know that there are still good people in our community Philip! And we all contribute to making our communities places where we want to live and raise our families as we choose to Be the Blessing! Way to turn the car around and lend a helping hand.
Thanks for Being the Blessing
My family and I were on our way to pick up my mother-in-law to go to a fundraiser. Half way down Wheeling hill we came upon a car facing the other direction, stopped in the inside lane with its blinkers on and a lady inside waving an arm outside her window. Since it wasn't a good place to stop we drove farther down the hill till we could safely turn around, then went back and parked behind the broken-down car.
After speaking briefly with the lady I called police and asked for a dispatch. Then I let her use my phone to call the garage. I remembered that we had a triangle in our van, so I got it out and set it up about 50 yards behind our van. This helped tremendously as vehicles coming up the hill could see the triangle before hitting the bend in the road, and slow down.
Wheeling PD soon showed up and we drove off.
I know we were a blessing to the lady because after she had used my phone she said, "It's good to know there are still good people in our community."
It is good to know that there are still good people in our community Philip! And we all contribute to making our communities places where we want to live and raise our families as we choose to Be the Blessing! Way to turn the car around and lend a helping hand.
Thanks for Being the Blessing
Creating The Kindest Community On Earth
June 16, 2009 Filed in: Blog
Recently we had the idea of testing out Be the Blessing on our home community - The Upper Ohio Valley surrounding Wheeling, WV. What if we could, in 1 year, create the kindest community on earth, and at the same time raise one million dollars for the Free Wheelchair Mission just to prove that we are, in fact, the kindest community on the planet?
If Be the Blessing can become the mission of the people of this community not only would we change the community we would change the world. What do you say… are you in?
Chris
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It's Time To Get This Blessing Started
June 06, 2009 Filed in: Blog
It has been a busy winter with lots of hurdles and diversions, like our youngest child in a body cast and a minor economic collapse. But, as we enter summer 2009 things could not be looking better for changing the world.
The plan for this next year is to try Be the Blessing out on an entire community. If we can change the community, we can change the world.
Be The Blessing Goes To Vietnam
August 03, 2008 Filed in: Blog
About 18 months ago I was watching the CBS Morning Show on a Saturday morning, and they were doing a story on The Free Wheelchair Mission. These guys developed a wheelchair that they can build and deliver anywhere in the world for $50, and that is a good thing because there are over 100 million people in the world who need one and can't afford one. The FWM has given away over 300,000 wheelchairs to date.
They were going to be riding bikes across the country to raise money, and it just so happened that they were going to be coming near my hometown of Wheeling, WV. So I emailed them. My thought was... here are some folks who are being the blessing in a huge way and I want to meet them and cheer them on. A week later they rolled into town, and they ended up speaking at my church that Saturday night.
Some things are just meant to be, and I was meant to give away wheelchairs. That email changed everything for me. The events that unfolded because of it showed me a whole new way to Be the Blessing. That was April '07 and by November I was in Vietnam with Don (the guy who invented the wheelchair) giving away 550 wheelchairs to people, many of whom crawled there to receive a chair. One of the greatest privileges and most humbling things you can do is pick someone up who has been stuck on the ground and in the dirt for years, and place them in their own brand new wheelchair. It changes their life and your life instantly.
While in Vietnam I made plans to come back in September '08 and bring a group of people along to distribute another 550 chairs. So for the first two weeks of September, 16 of us, mostly from the Wheeling area, headed to Vietnam for a two week adventure of Being the Blessing. I did a Blog for both trips, and they are still up if you would like to go back and look at the articles and look at the pictures. It is quite a ride. November '07 Trip .September '08 Trip
When we dreamed up Be the Blessing as our mission statement, we were thinking on two levels. One, don't miss the small stuff. It happens every day, and there are always opportunities to Be the Blessing. That makes life an adventure and those small things add up quickly to change the world. The other level was to dream big. What kind of big stuff can we do to help people and change the world. This story has both. A simple email of encouragement (small stuff) leads to changing the worlds of over 1000 people in Vietnam (big stuff). Pretty cool.
Be The Blessing,
Chris