A TRUE Lesson in Kindness

If you've read this blog for any time at all, then you know that our church does many many outreach types of projects in our community. It's our goal to conduct "random acts of kindness" in a variety of ways on a regular basis for people of all socio-economic backgrounds.

Back in December, we conducted our first "Mall Blitz" where we literally went into the mall and gave 450 employees a gift bag of snacks and goodies to say "thank you" for all the work they do..especially during the busy shopping season.

Today was to be our second Mall Blitz. We called all the store managers for permission just like we did back in December. These made for some fabulous conversations as many were the same employees that received our gift at Christmas. Some said, "Wow, we really appreciate this! No one EVER does anything nice for us!" Others said, "We are so glad you're coming back...we really want to thank you for showing such a special kindness to our employees. It meant a lot to all of us."

Today, as part of our service, we made 486 bags and sent five teams of five down to the mall for distribution.

It wasn't long after we got there, that a parking lot security guard stopped and asked us what we were doing. We told him. He said, "You cannot bring those bags in here. You have to have permission of the mall manager." We explained that we have the permission of the store managers and that we were simply repeating the SAME THING we did at Christmas. He basically didn't care.

We asked if a store manager wanted to bring in treat bags for their own employees, would it be OK. He wasn't happy, but didn't say no. SO, we sat almost 200 bags just outside the door of the mall and began going in and explaining to the store managers. They were very surprised. They thought it was quite silly. Many followed us to the bags and took them into the mall for their own employees.

Suddenly, Mr. Security guard showed up with "back up" (3 more security guards) and told us we could not distribute one more bag at the mall. He told a store manager that she could not take these bags in for her OWN employees. And he let us know that if we did not take the bags away that he would have to call the police.

Of course, we complied and took the mall manager's name and phone number as well as his so that we can, in fact, follow the protocol in the future. We visited every single store that didn't receive their gift to explain that we were not allowed to deliver them or to have the store managers get them.

I now have 151 bags at my house. This means that we were able to distribute the majority of the bags before our "kindness operation" was shut down---or, hopefully, put on hold, pending the mall manager's approval.

Our team stayed to have lunch together in the food court. It was an enjoyable time of fellowship together. We talked about future projects. We laughed and had a great time.


If I'm being honest, though, I really was quite miffed at the whole thing. I mean, picture it--bags filled with snack items for employees---really within their grasp, but we can't give them what we promised. Then, I had another thought...it's EASY to be, do, and give kindness to those who welcome your actions. It's a whole other story to be kind to someone who is standing in your way, being difficult, or doesn't see a situation the same way that you do.

I whispered a prayer for the security guards and the mall employees. I thanked God for our fabulous team that remained positive and steady through the whole ordeal. And I prayed that tomorrow things will work out with the mall manager.

And I prayed that when the opportunity to practice kindness when someone isn't being so kind, that we will all be able to do so. Cause THAT'S what "Jesus would do."