Reflection of Kindness

Joseph sat in his apartment scouring the internet. For what? He didn't know. But he came across a post talking about changing the world, helping those less fortunate, and what he would do to help the cause.

Joseph got up and looked outside for a moment, pondering this question. The post said, "less fortunate" but by the context clues they were clearly referring to minorities, Blacks, Hispanics, people of color. Joseph, though he grew up in a mostly Caucasian school, and had mostly Caucasian friends, tended to forget he himself was not white. But, wasn't that the point? he thought to himself. Treating everyone equally, no matter their ethnicity or race. Why assume people of color, people like me, are less fortunate? I certainly am not.

Still, though, the fact remained that there were people less fortunate than he. But he wanted to help everyone, not just a specific group. As he peered out he saw a mother struggling to carry in bags of groceries as her children ran around her like some kind of indigenous ritual. If they were any older most would argue insensitivity, but children that age don't know any better in their ignorance. He chuckled at the sight then looked for a shirt and pants to wear so that he wouldn't be indecent.

Joseph unlocked his door and approached the mother to ask if she needed help. She had seen Joseph around before, he had left gifts on his neighbor's porches on unexpected holidays, like when he gave Lucky Charms on St. Patrick's day, joking it was authentic Irish cuisine. However, they never before had the chance to meet. They locked eyes for a minute and she smiled. No words were required for her to understand what his intentions were. She nodded and he quickly helped her with the rest of her bags scooting the children back into the building.

After a quick "thank you" Joseph retreated back to his apartment where he noticed that there was more to the post he had more or less scoffed at. Contributors would be entered in a drawing for a $5,000 grand prize. Not only are they telling people what they should do, but they're trying to bribe them too? He laughed and wondered if people would actually use that money for others, or just themselves?

Joseph knew most people would give the minimum amount just for the chance of winning money, and possibly to stroke their own egos. Would such an act actually help change the world, or is it just a gimmick to make people feel good about themselves? He could see it now, people reposting the message, bragging about their sainthood, egos rising, clout growing, pretending to be part of something bigger than them! Joseph would have no part in it. As he scrolled down, past the post trying to forget it, but then again, $5,000 is $5,000. The cost would be practically nothing for the chance to win. He scrolled back up and clicked on the post to see more details.

"Just do it for the money," He said to himself. "This isn't about proving anything to anybody. You know who you are."

And it was true, Joseph, despite needing the money, entered the drawing, knowing exactly how he would use the money to help those around him if he won. It's not something to brag about. Good deeds in secret are the only ones truly void of self-glory.

Joseph knew changing oneself was the key to changing the world. When you try to force people to change but are unwilling to change yourself, nothing will. He had changed long ago by loving everyone no matter what, true unconditional love. This was all the change one has to make in order to change the world.

In order to enter, one must write a document explaining the steps they're going to take to foster kindness and inclusivity. Joseph thought for a minute then began to write:

"Josh sat in his apartment scouring the internet..."