Ubuntu

Though exhausted from his latest project with Habitat for Humanity, Samuel wasn’t giving up. He was meeting his friend, Mosi later today to plan the meal preparations for the downtown soup kitchen. The kitchen was holding its monthly “pantry stock”, and they were desperate for volunteers.

Many people in the town of Pullman, Alabama considered Samuel to have a heart of gold. He was consistenly thinking of others before himself. He loved giving back to the community where he had grown up. His South African roots taught him the philosophy of ubuntu and how each of us are part of a bigger whole. We are connected and defined by our compassion and kindness to others.

As a young boy, Samuel watched his grandfather work hard in their small town and give back to his community regardless of what was expected. He promised himself to always look out for those who needed a little extra help or simply needed a kind word. He wished to grow up and be just like his granddaddy. 

One wouldn’t hear Samuel patting himself on the back because he was also raised to have humility. He gave from the goodness of his heart, knowing life would be sweeter regardless of whether the giving was ever returned. Samuel shared this African philosophy with all the children that came through the soup kitchen. 

Ubuntu – (noun) prounounced oo-boon-too, from South African heritage, a belief that we are defined by our compassion and kindness towards others.

Each of us have opportunities everyday to impact someone in a positive way. It may be as simple as a hello or a thank you. Kindness grows and spreads quickly. What is one small act of kindness you could share in your community?