BROWN: The value of kindness

Published 3:08 pm Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Our family suffered a great loss recently with the unexpected death of Lucile Baugus.

Lucile was one of those precious ladies who will always be remembered by those of us who loved her. Here are some excerpts from a column I once wrote that describes Lucile. She was kind to everyone:

Wikipedia defines kindness as “a behavior marked by ethical characteristics, a pleasant disposition, and concern and consideration for others. It is considered a virtue and is recognized as a value in many cultures and religions.”

Words are powerful tools that can either help or cause harm to people. Frequently on the news are accounts of ordinary people performing extraordinary gestures to assist their friends and neighbors, in a world where you can be anything, choose to be kind.

My paternal great grandmother, Miss Lottie, also did not speak unpleasant words about others. In fact, when others mentioned comments about a relative or neighbor that was disagreeable she paused for a moment and then said words such as “she sure has pretty eyes” or “I understand she bakes amazing tasting cakes” or maybe, “I am sure she is greatly loved by her parents.”  We remember her as an amazingly kind person.

“I shall pass through this world but once. Any good, therefore, that I can do; or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.” (Mahatma Gandhi)

Hoping for a kinder, gentler nation is thought of as just a dream by many people but if only a few agreed to be less negative in their statements and decided not to repeat or share unkind statements then that is a giant step forward in this world.

Kindness is always in fashion. Try your best to be nice to those who come into your path; not because you are weak but because you are strong.

“Kindness opens doors that rudeness can never unfasten.” (Brenda S. Brown)

Kindness is an art form and it is a trait that is better taught to young children during their developing years, so it becomes part of their natural way. Rather than thinking of kindness as an action, try thinking of it as a quality that anyone can cultivate. Being kind and showing kindness toward others is free and a healthy way of living a better life.

Being kind to others can increase your connectivity with family and friends and can decrease your loneliness. Being generous can change your mood and certainly improve your relationships.

When you practice kindness, you change the way you think and deal with situations.  Your brain produces higher levels of dopamine and serotonin and enhances your mood naturally. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against
such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)

“Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.” (Mother Teresa)