Think Kindness Blog

It was almost a year ago I was in this exact same setting. Same situation. Breathing the same sterile airplane air with the same nerves running through my system. The same fears, the same doubts. . . and the same thought, Am I Capable.

I have doubts. I have fears. I have unknowns. I pray, cross my fingers, and just hope what I am doing “works”.

The same memory from last year is popping into my head.

It was a late bright full moon night in the orphanage. Most children laying in their rooms or halls with fluttery lights trying to study for their exams.  One of the girls was sitting alone in the corner. Her eyes were deep in thought. She didn’t have a book, pen, there was nothing in front of her. She just stared. Stared at nothing.

I went up and sat next to her with my back against the wall. Looking in the same direction as her. Looking at the same emptiness as she was. After a moment, I asked if I could help her study anything. She said, “No.”

I glanced over.

“Are you sure?” I replied.

“Why should I even try? God gave me a death wish (HIV). . . there is no point.”

She took a deep breath and bit her lower lip.

I was left speechless. Our eyes connected and was soon invaded with tears. This memory still hurts. She had no family, had no one to tuck her in at night, give her a heartfelt hug, and she was only 9 years old!

When we left the orphanage, we pulled our bags from our room and she ran up and gave me the biggest of hugs. Her arms wrapped around my hips, her head buried in my stomach, and her tears soaking through my shirt.

“I pray I will see you again. . . will I see you again?”

So here I am, aboard a KLM flight, over 48 hours of travel, keeping my promise.

But why do I doubt myself. . . heck, I am a motivational speaker that inspires people and instills hope that all of us CAN make a difference. To be honest, I’m feeling sorta stupid that I have these doubts. But I am sure Lance Armstrong thought, “What am I getting myself into” as he clicked into his peddles before every tour. Mother Theresa must have thought, “I have no idea how I am going to make this work, but I’ll try” before changing the lives of millions. I am sure the same goes for our men and women in the military, CEO’s, expecting mothers. . .

When you begin to stare the giant in the face – fear/doubt is acceptable. . . isn’t it?

But why am I fearful?  I picture seeing their eyes, feel their hugs, – it freaking hurts! . . .Bad! I can’t help as much as I’d like. I bring shoes and Shoes=Education. . . more so,  Shoes=Love.

Last year over 40,000 students across the country felt inspired and collected over 72,000 pairs of shoes and raised over $18,000 to help those in need.  It was beautiful!

What is beneath this plane is not just a pair of shoes, but it is a gift of love, hope, courage, prayers, and grace from thousands back home. Many could not give money, but they could give shoes. And with those shoes came prayers, hope, and promises.

That is what is in those boxes!

I am 27 years old and I am living my legacy now. I pray that thousands will follow. I am only one, but I am ONE. And I am a representing thousands from back home that share the same view. I assure you, I will distribute your gifts, share your stories, give your love, share your grace with goodnight tucks, story times, and occasional soccer games and I will bring home the same from them.

Ladies and Gentlemen, mom and dad –

Global Act of Kindness 2010 has begun. . . stay tuned!

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