You Just Never Know

This is a picture that I have seen circulating around facebook lately and everytime I see it, it still makes me feel sentimental. This picture is being called the "Hug Felt Around the World" What you are looking at is a young man named Devonte Hart receiving a hug from Sgt. Bret Barnum. Devonte was holding a free hugs sign in the midst of Ferguson protests and police barricades. Barnum approached Hart and after a short dialogue asked for a hug, and Devonte happily obliged.

I think that this photo speaks volumes about the kind of people that we do have in this world. From children to adults. There are people who are not afraid to step outside of the box... Devonte for instance was holding a free Hugs sign in the midst of a less than calm situation. Who would think to do something like that in that type of situation? And then, we have Officer Barnum, who in police uniform, saw a young boy being creative and possibly hurting and decided that he would do something unorthodox and the effect is tremendous...

But that's the thing: you will never know what small act of kindness will create a ripple effect for people either in your surrounding area or even around the world such as with this hug. Being unorthodox, being willing to have people look at you funny or with confusion in their expression is a small price to pay. If Barnum had not approached Hart or if Hart had not been holding up Free Hugs sign, we would not have this picture symbolizing that even in the midst of a tumultuous storm, there is a calm eye. Yes we have to deal with the negative of Ferguson and even the bigger issues that stem out of Ferguson; but like Devonte we have to be willing to give chances. Because you never know who will step up to the plate and surprise you.

 So as we come upon this holiday season (perfect timing right?), let's remember that one small act of kindness can have a large effect. Be willing to step outside of your comfort zone to help someone else. Be that light/smile/encouraging word/hug that someone needs because you never know who is watching and will eventually remember later on. I love this quote by Maya Angelou that ends this post perfectly......