It was just a cup of coffee and a conversation. But for Casey Fischer, it turned out to be a life-changing encounter with a homeless man. And the secret he shared with her left her in tears.
Casey, a college student, encountered the homeless man on her way to Dunkin’ Donuts. Instead of passing him by like everyone else did, she decided to strike up a conversation. She learned his name was Chris and decided to treat him to coffee and a bagel.
For over an hour, Casey sat with Chris and listened to his story. He opened up about how he was used to being treated meanly by others and how drugs had turned him into a person he hated. He shared his struggles of growing up without a father and losing his mother to cancer. Most importantly, he expressed his deep longing to be the kind of person his mother would be proud of.
After their conversation, Chris asked for a few more minutes to write something down on an old receipt. He handed it to Casey, apologizing for his shaky handwriting. As she unfolded the crumpled paper, Casey was shocked by what she read. The note revealed that Chris had been contemplating suicide but changed his mind because of their encounter. He thanked Casey for being a beautiful person and saving his life that day.
This powerful experience taught Casey that even the smallest act of kindness can have a profound impact on someone’s life. She could have easily ignored Chris like everyone else did, but her simple act of humanity saved a life. It’s a reminder that we all have the power to make a difference, whether it’s through a smile, a friendly hello, or even a cup of coffee.
As the Bible says, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience” (Colossians 3:12). We should strive to show these qualities to others, especially those who may be facing difficult times.
Next time you encounter someone in need, take a moment to show them kindness. You never know how big of an impact it may have. Just like Casey, you could be the difference between someone feeling hopeless and finding the strength to carry on.
Remember, a small act of kindness can make a world of difference.
