Light

When it rains, look for rainbows – what a great saying! It encouraged me through a difficult time and one that my friends and family picked up on with many rainbow-themed gifts. Feeling loved is so important, especially when you’re down. Being able to laugh in the face of adversity is a winner!

When I was going through treatment for cancer, I experienced times of bleakness. The chemo, surgery, and radiotherapy all zapped the life out of me. But I knew I was loved. I had amazing friends and family who kept me going at a time when I was struggling. I knew I was loved because I was sent a steady stream of messages, visits, and parcels and commitment to pray for me.

And the kindness I received from my place of work was beyond what I could have asked for or imagined. This included a head shave, cooked meals, cake,s and walks. But then Ripple Effect is all about loving our neighbours – the families we work alongside in rural Africa and our colleagues!

My old school friend, Deborah, was 100% committed to making sure I would laugh all through my treatment. I would receive the most random boxes filled with love and laughter, from sparkly bubble baths to a plug-in disco ball, to sweets we used to enjoy as children (fruit salads and blackjacks!), to party poppers. The more random the better!

Each delivery gave me a huge amount of joy, not just from the gifts, but knowing that every item had been chosen carefully and sent with love.

These acts of kindness below were among many acts of kindness and generosity that helped me through some very dark times.

Prayer:

Pray for those going through dark and difficult times, that they may feel surrounded by love, support, and encouragement. Give thanks for the gift of friends, family and communities who bring joy and hope through their kindness and generosity. Ask God to open your eyes to someone who might need a reminder that they are loved, and for inspiration to offer meaningful acts of kindness, no matter how small.

Take a 40acts challenge today:

1. Send a small, thoughtful gift to bring joy to someone going through a tough time.
2. Create a box of fun or comforting items like treats, candles, or a favourite book, and deliver it to someone who could use a lift.
3. Put together your own personalised care package for someone facing a difficult season, choosing items with love and care to brighten their day.