Kindness Does Not Cost a Dime

Happy Tuesday,

Recently, I became a Suicide Prevention Liaison in the Army, a position that has opened my heart and mind to many sensitive realities. It is a role for which I am deeply grateful because it has made me more empathetic, more aware, and ultimately more human.

On average, in America, one person dies by suicide every 11 minutes. One death is too many. The ripple effect it has on families, friends, and communities is immeasurable. The pain, grief, unanswered questions, and stigma often linger long after the loss.

Before I continue, I want to clarify something. Over the years, I have received emails and messages from people who assume that everything I write about is a direct reflection of my personal experiences. Some have even reached out to ask if I am okay. While I truly appreciate the concern and kindness behind those messages, I want to emphasize that serving in this position does not mean I am suicidal or have been suicidal. Rather, it aligns with the mission that has always been close to my heart: restoring hope to the hopeless, healing hearts through words, and helping people find purpose.

Mental health and preventive medicine mean a great deal to me. In the coming months, I will be writing more about these topics and sharing insights that can help us all become better supporters of one another. We will discuss stigma, active listening (some of us talk more than we listen…… ever wondered why God gave us two ears and one mouth?), available resources, and practical ways to support those around us.

In Ephesians 4:32, the Bible says:

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

This scripture beautifully emphasizes the importance of kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. To genuinely be kind, we must first have a tender heart. A forgiving spirit is often what allows kindness to flourish. After all, how can we be hard-hearted and truly kind at the same time?

Kindness goes a long way.

A simple act of kindness may seem insignificant to you, but it could mean everything to someone else. Responding with grace after a friend speaks harshly to you instead of retaliating. Offering a smile to a coworker who seems difficult to get along with. Sending an encouraging text. Praying for those who have hurt you. These small acts can have a lasting impact.

Have you ever wondered why someone who appeared full of life suddenly decided to take their own life? If you are the kind of person who says things like, “Why would they do that?” or “What could have happened to make them make such a decision?” I encourage you to shift your perspective toward empathy.

Many people are fighting battles they never speak about. Some are carrying burdens so heavy that they feel invisible to the rest of the world. Sometimes our cultural beliefs and societal expectations teach us to suppress emotions. For example, many boys grow up hearing that crying is a sign of weakness. As a result, they learn to suffer in silence.

Please, do not be the reason someone retreats into isolation because they are afraid of being judged. Do not be the reason someone feels unseen, unheard, or unloved. Your words matter. Your actions matter. The way you treat people matters.

In the world we live in today, it often seems that people are celebrated more after they are gone than while they are alive. We see tribute posts flood social media timelines, and suddenly everyone has something wonderful to say. Why wait until someone is no longer here to show appreciation, encouragement, or love?

Be kind while people can still hear your words.

Do not be the reason a man/ woman is afraid to love again. Do not be the reason a child loses confidence in themselves. Do not be the reason someone questions their worth.

The Bible reminds us in Proverbs 16:24:

“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”

What a beautiful reminder that our words have the power to heal. Kind words can bring comfort to a weary soul. Encouraging words can restore hope. Compassionate words can remind someone that they are not alone.

You and I have work to do.

We can choose kindness.
We can choose empathy.
We can choose compassion.

And sometimes, those choices may make more of a difference than we will ever know.

Because kindness does not cost a dime, but it may be worth a life.

With love,

Tabithainspires