Choose Kindness, Show Kindness!

Hello friend, how are you and how are you enjoying the holidays? I have been resting, eating, and sleeping. What have you been up to?

It's been a month since I left camp, and one thing I'm grateful for is how kindness has been chasing me down daily. The blessing of being in the right kind of circle cannot be overemphasized. My friends keep showing up with the right doses of encouragement and support.

A few days before I left camp, I was worried about where to stay until I sorted myself out. I look back in awe at how much God has used people to take care of me; genuine, good people who helped me settle into the city and went the extra mile to ensure I was comfortable. God intentionally positioned people in my path, and no matter how tough the days got, I was well cared for. I've lived in the goodness of God that has found expression through humans.

I have lost count of how many times strangers have shown me kindness because I had my Khaki - from bike men to vendors in the market, and the woman who sells Akara/Pap at my junction (Mama always insists that I don't pay for anything but I no dey gree for her). Even on days when I encounter people who try to be tough, I have become familiar with "Kopa ba Kudi" and "Ni Kopa ne fa" and I watch them soften their resolve.

While these intentional, random yet beautiful acts of kindness have blessed me deeply, they have also made me more keen on being kind to other people around me. It is like a debt, and I want to be intentional about repaying it.

Last week, I volunteered to teach a 13-year-old girl English Language, and it has been the most beautiful experience ever; to show up every day to inspire another human to greatness. Her excitement about learning makes it so fulfilling, and regardless of how long it takes to understand a concept, I see her unwavering dedication and enthusiasm for learning. Her story moved me to tears, and beyond this shy teenager who's unsure about her ideas, I see a confident lady blossoming and taking over the world.

One of my favorite movies of all time preaches kindness profoundly. Here are some of the unforgettable quotes that have been etched in my mind:

-"The best way to measure how much you've grown isn't by inches or the number of laps you can now run around the track, or even your grade point average - though those things are important, to be sure. It's what you've done with your time, how you've chosen to spend your days, and whom you've touched this year. That, to me, is the greatest measure of success".

- "We carry with us, as human beings, not just the capacity to be kind, but the very choice of kindness."

-"Courage. Kindness. Friendship. Character. These are the qualities that define us as human beings and propel us, on occasion, to greatness."

-"Kinder than is necessary. Because it's not enough to be kind. One should be kinder than needed."

-"When given the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind."

In a world that can often feel harsh and unforgiving, kindness always stands out, illuminating the darkest of paths and lifting the heaviest of burdens. As we go through our unique journeys, let us remember the profound impact that a single act of kindness can have, and may we always choose to be the light that brightens someone else's day.

As Corps Members, and good people, let's serenade the spaces we enter with kindness. Make it a point of duty to ask yourself every morning "What good can I do today"?

When I am no more, I want to be remembered with these words "Here lays Sahmah, a woman whose life was an oil of service poured out to God and humanity. She never stopped trying, never stopped believing, never stopped showing kindness, and never stopped loving."

Love, Light, Kindness, and Encouragement:

Sahmah💗