Kindness as an Act of War: Fighting Apathy with Love and Community

For a while, I’ve been feeling so helpless and heartbroken over my family's dog. She was stuck in a cage, drinking from mossy water pots, eating leftover scraps—mostly bones. Her skin is mangy, and she’s infested with fleas. I had helped by feeding her kibble from my own dogs, but really that wasn't enough and I knew she needed real help. I am hardly at the house, so it's when I see the dog that I'm reminded of her living conditions. One day I went to the back and saw her bones starting to poke out. My heart completely broke for her!💔

I had spoken to my family for months about the issue, but it fell on deaf ears. This specific day, I felt led to do something I had never done. I took it to the internet. The nudge in my heart was too intense for me to allow the neglect to continue. I shared some photos and asked if anyone could take her in to give her a chance at a new life. I didn't know if anyone would even respond, but the outreach blew my mind.

A Ripple of Kindness

The response was overwhelming. Many women reached out—not to take the dog, but to still help however they could. They brought food, got a new stainless steel bowl and even offered to clean her space. They showed up with practical love and generosity that left me stunned.

Why Community Matters

Kindness, especially when unexpected, has the power to spark intospection and inspire change. It’s like holding up a mirror, showing someone what’s possible and gently nudging them toward better. Through this experience, I realized I had confined my efforts, not remembering there were other aspects where I could have made a difference for the dog. Sometimes we're just so blinded by being so close to it, that we don't even realize we have the power to shift something beyond what we perceive our limits are. That's where community comes in. Seeing how others stepped in with their unique strengths was a powerful reminder that, as the body of Christ, we each have a role to play in bringing love and care to the world.

One lady, for example, reached out to specific organizations by forwarding the post I made. Another shared it on a specific Facebook page known for supportive members. Through their simple acts, even more people reached out. Each small act, when combined, creates a ripple that grows into something much larger than we could accomplish alone.

The Shame it Brings

The other side of the coin was the shame this situation brought once certain family members saw the outreach efforts and other people's help from the outside in. People do not like to face the truth of dysfunction. They only see the "embarassment" or they speak fear about the situation. I received my fair share of backlash for seeking help, but in my heart I knew what was best. The dog tested positive for heartworm, and a host of so many other issues. As much as we might have the best intentions for the things we care about, sometimes knowing when it's time to accept help or having the courage to let go is the most loving thing you can do.‍

A Call to Act

How do we confront the brokenness around us?  In a lot of ways, I've often felt like her, overlooked and neglected. My sweet sister in Christ, Olivia, pointed out to me that this was symbolic, a powerful act in seeking help for the wounded child in me. Whether it’s an abused dog, a struggling neighbor, or systemic injustices. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the endless needs in the world, but we often forget that small, intentional actions have the power to transform a whole life. How can we move beyond playing church and truly be the church?

Sometimes all we can do is sound the alarm, or at least that's all we think we can do in an overwhelming situation. And yet, even that alone can create a ripple effect. Some are gifted in serving with practical help, others in offering wisdom, encouragement, or resources, as each one uses their God-given gifts to build up the body of Christ. (Romans 12:6-8). Together, we form an unstoppable force of restoration. The real tragedy lies in doing nothing at all.

I am praying that this sweet girl finds her forever home soon, and I thank those who have stepped in with kindness and generosity along the way. May the Lord bless those who have offered their help and stirred change with their acts of love.

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^{Heavenly Father,}

^{Thank You for the gift of kindness and the power it has to transform hearts and situations. Thank You for the community You’ve placed around us, for those who step in with generosity, wisdom, and love, even when they don’t have to. Help us to be mindful of the brokenness in our world and give us the courage to act, no matter how small our efforts may seem.}

^{Father, we ask that You give us Your heart, help us to feel the things You feel, to hurt for the things that break Your heart. Let Your compassion move us to action, that we may be Your hands and feet in a world that desperately needs Your love. Teach us to step beyond complacency and reflect Your heart in how we care for others, both people and creatures alike. Use us, Lord, to bring Your restoration, Your love, and Your hope into every situation we encounter.}

^{In Jesus’ name, we pray.}

^Amen.‍

_{Self-Reflection Prompts}

1. ^{Have you ever seen kindness awaken change in someone who seemed unreachable? How did it unfold?}
2. ^{Are there situations in your life where you feel powerless to help? What small step can you take to create a ripple of kindness?}
3. ^{How can you be part of a community that fights against complacency and advocates for love and care for all living things?}

_{Kindness is powerful. It moves people, shifts hearts, and brings hope where there was none. Let’s be brave enough to use it.}

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