One of the two writers at Stickhorse Cowgirls writes an excellent post entitled 'Paying it forward with big returns.' She describes a witness who went way out of his way to testify for one of her clients. He didn't have to be so cooperative but he said he did it because of a thoughtful act of kindness he experienced as an African American at his first job.
At nine years old the boy showed up at the local golf course to caddy. The first man handed him his oversized golf bag. The man's playing partner saw that this bag was far too heavy for the young boy and rented a golf cart for the boy to pull instead. The lad never forgot this act of kindness throughout his life. Now 56 years later, from an incident that took place in 1954, the man's actions were positively affected.
Pay it forward is an interesting concept. Instead of paying someone back for doing a favour, pay it forward... Catherine Ryan Hyde wrote a novel and a movie in 2000 was released starring Kevin Spacey, Helen Hunt, and Holey Joel Osment. There is also the Pay it Forward Foundation which provides materials to be used in schools and in the community.
Can pay it forward not only be an interesting concept, but a dynamic plan of action and lasting legacy? Have you ever been touched by a gesture which left a lasting imprint?
Be the change you want to see in the world. ~ Gandhi
