Category Archives: acts of kindness

The Custom of Being Kind When Insulted

Posted on May 10, 2026 by Steve Simms

There’s a custom that used to be common among an ancient group of people, but it has been very rare in most cultures throughout human history. It’s the custom of being kind to people who say and do unkind things. … Continue reading →

Posted in acts of kindness, forgiveness, love your enemies, peacemaking | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Foreigners Who Became Like Family

Posted on October 26, 2024 by Steve Simms

It’s hard to be “a foreigner in a foreign land,” especially in a land where foreigners are sometimes treated “arrogantly.” (See Exodus 18:1-12.) About a year and a half ago two families from southern Mexico moved next door to my … Continue reading →

Posted in acts of kindness, border crisis, Christian community, immigrants, immigration | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

I Want to Dish Up Some Courtesy

Posted on July 15, 2024 by Steve Simms

I want to dish up courtesy for our culture to feast on. Here’s a first step: Political leaders should be required to pass an annual courtesy test or be disqualified from office. Candor and courtesy make a great combo. For … Continue reading →

Posted in acts of kindness, courtesy, kindness, political dysfunction | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Expressing Gratitude Through Kindness (And Being Like a Potato)

Posted on July 1, 2024 by Steve Simms

I express my gratitude for being alive by trying to be kind to everyone I meet. I have discovered that heartfelt politeness is powerful. If you will without suspicion begin to be welcoming to strangers by showing them warmheartedness, courtesy, … Continue reading →

Posted in acts of kindness, Christian hospitality, happiness | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Marsh Madness

Posted on July 15, 2022 by Steve Simms

O, the glorious valueAnd amazing treasureOf every human being,Even when it’s unseenAnd unappreciated.Even people society rejectsContain the image of GodBuried beneath their brokenness,Yet still present in their pain.Love finds, beholds, and respectsThe Creator’s work and reflection,No matter how dim,No matter … Continue reading →

Posted in acts of kindness, kindness, poem, poetry, Random acts of kindness | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“Love your enemies” is a call to be kind-frontational

Posted on May 23, 2022 by Steve Simms

When people are bluntAnd confrontWithout kindnessIt’s an affront.Keep kindness up front. Some people harden their heart into a heavily fortified fort and live continually in their confront zone. Get out of your confront zone. Learn to kind-front people. Kind-frontation occurs … Continue reading →

Posted in acts of kindness, be kind, kindness, lovingkindness, Random acts of kindness | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Insults, race, disagreement, politics, and history

Posted on October 27, 2018 by Steve Simms

It takes no brains, no heart, and no character to call someone a demeaning name. However, if you feel a need to insult people who disagree with you, perhaps you’re not very secure in your beliefs. It’s easier to insult … Continue reading →

Posted in acts of kindness, anti-bullying, black history, bullying, gun violence, healing racism, heart, heart care, heart connection, institutional racism, kindness, racism, Random acts of kindness, stop bullying, stop the violence, Uncategorized, unkindness, violence, violence epidemic | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

What they’re saying about Off the RACE Track

Posted on October 18, 2018 by Steve Simms

Off the Race Track–From Color-Blind to Color-Kind is a kind, nonpolitical, and inspiring resource for racial reconciliation and healing America’s racial wounds. Here is what people are saying about it: Commissioner Israel L. Gaither, first black National Commander, The Salvation … Continue reading →

Posted in acts of kindness, American history, be kind, black history, Black history month, colorblind, healing racism, history, institutional racism, kindness, multi-racial, multi-racial church, racial healing, racial reconciliation, racism, Salvation Army, Steve Simms, The Salvation Army, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Some short quotes from Off the RACE Track

Posted on October 9, 2018 by Steve Simms

Here are some short quotes from my new book: Off the RACE Track–From Color-Blind to Color-Kind. To get a copy or download a Kindle version, search for — Off the RACE Track Steve Simms — on Amazon. “There is much greatness … Continue reading →

Posted in acts of kindness, African American experience, African Americans, American history, be kind, black history, Black history month, books, history, love, Love one another, new book, Quotations, Random acts of kindness, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A fresh, non-political look at race

Posted on October 3, 2018 by Steve Simms

Talking about race doesn’t have to be political, stressful, or confrontational. It can be encouraging and healing. Check out my new book — Off The Race Track–From Color-Blind To Color-Kind at this link.

Posted in acts of kindness, be kind, black church, Black history month, Black or White, colorblind, healing racism, institutional racism, Jim Crow, kindness, politics, racism, Random acts of kindness, red and yellow black and white, Uncategorized, white view of race, whites | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment