This Earth Angel appeared in a restaurant one day, and his compassionate heart taught us how beautiful love and kindness can be.
The host of the restaurant shared this story after a truly beautiful and heart-moving day:
“Today I met an angel. You came into a Denny’s I work at in Utah. You asked me, ‘Can I have a waitress who is a single mother?’ I thought it was very odd, but I sat you in Crystal’s section.
You sat there for 2 hours just watching people. 7 families came in and ate while you were there and you paid every one of their bills, over $1,000 you paid for people you didn’t even know. I asked, ‘Why did you do that?’ You simply said, ‘Family is everything, I’ve lost all mine.’ Looking into your eyes while you said that made me tear up (It’s why I walked away so quickly) as soon as I got in the back I broke down in tears because your eyes had so much pain in them.
Img: Love What Matters
I just wanted to let you know, the waitress Crystal that you requested was living in a shelter with her son until she was able to save up enough to get a place. Your bill was $21.34 and you left her a $1,500 tip, because of you she gets her new place next week, because of you 7 families ate for free.
Crystal told me she prayed the night before for a miracle and God sent you. You left before any of us could say thank you, I hope you read this because you’re truly an amazing person and you stole the hearts of every one of us here. Thank you.”
“I’ve done this many times, but this is the one that got out,” the man, who asked only to be identified as Briggs told NBC.
When asked why he wanted to help these families and this single mother, he replied; “I grew up with a single mother of six. We were poor and homeless a lot,” Briggs said.
“I watched and suffered for years as I watched her work her hands to the bone to give us a good life. She raised us to be kind and help others. Many years down the road, I was facing prison and getting in trouble. It ended up causing me to lose my family because I was a really terrible person.”
Briggs says he eventually turned his life around. He has opened his own business and become a success.
“Now I’ve been helping others as I was raised to do,” he says. “Now it’s time to pay it back.”
SHARE this story on Facebook if you’d like to encourage others to be kind like this wonderful man.
“The wound is the place where the light enters you.” ~Rumi
Many of us relate our personalities and preferences according to our Zodiac signs. Yet if you are born on the edge – on the cusp, sometimes our sign is one of transition rather than completely belonging to one or the other. If you are born on 21st of December are you Sagittarius or are you Capricorn? You feel both energies in you, yet you can’t shake the feeling that you don’t belong in either one of them. There is a reason for that.
You feel that traits of both these signs exist within you, but you also have a strong feeling that you are not both. If you were born on the cusp, then your energy is a mix, and it makes sense to read about both signs.
Read below to find what being born on the cusp means for you:
Born on Cusp – edge of the Zodiac Signs
The Cusp of the Prophets Born between Pisces – Aries (March 19 to March 25)
In the ancient deep blue waters of Pisces, a spark of creation from Aries flickers like a hint of light. The vast depth of the waters of Pisces signifies intuition and infinite abilities to manifest their own reality.
Aries spark of creation is the new hope and life that comes from the season of Spring. It is a renewed world. A time of change.
Being born on the Cusp of the Prophets says you have a strong intuition, an ability foresee and to create the future, and that dreams are made real because of the spark of hope that stays steadfast amidst the infinite deep waters of intuition. Stay grounded in your heart, and the beauty imagine will be brought out into the world.
Famous people born on the Cusp of the Prophets:Glenn Close, Johann Sebastian Bach.
The Cusp of the Heroes Born between Aries – Taurus (April 18 to April 22)
Aries and Taurus. Fire and Earth. A combination of both reminds one of a strong and active volcano; a mountain of creation. Such is the personality of a person born on this cusp. They are in control and in charge of everything in their life.
They are headstrong and brave and use of their heart as their compass in everything that they do. They belong to the Cusp of the Heroes, making great leaders if and when they take the time to genuinely listen to other people. Famous people born on the Cusp of the Heroes:James Franco, Jessica Lange
The Cusp of the Geniuses Born between Taurus – Gemini (May 18 to May 22)
Rational Taurus and bright Gemini are amazing when combined. This is the Cusp of the Geniuses. Both signs are intellectual and quick thinkers and have a unique balance of energy.
The simple Taurus of the earth, enhanced by the confidence and energy of Gemini, an air sign. The airy and carefree Gemini needs the down-to-earth personality of Taurus to keep them grounded in reality occasionally.
These geniuses will do well in the scientific community, but they should not set aside their hearts for the sake of rational thinking. When they follow what they love in their lives and careers, these solid intellectuals can help educate others on compassionate matters that are truly important in life.
Famous people born on the Cusp of the Geniuses:Cher
The Cusp of the Enlightened Ones Born between Gemini – Cancer (June 17 to June 23)
The cusp between Gemini and Cancer belong to the Summer Solstice. The Summer Solstice radiates a powerful energy which influences and intensifies the energy of the cusp.
With Gemini’s knowledge merging and penetrating the radiant waters of Cancer, the Sun during this time is at its most generous.
People born on the Cusp of the Enlightened Ones open their minds and hearts to knowledge and the arts. They are born artists who have an enlightened perspective of the world’s canvass. Inner wisdom comes naturally to them, and they often times “know” things long before they happen.
They can put themselves on the pedestal of fame if they keep their feet on the ground and remain humble, stable, and kind.
Famous people born on the Cusp of the Enlightened Ones:Nicole Kidman, Paul McCartney
The Cusp of the Mermaids / Mermen Born between Cancer – Leo (July 19 to July 24)
How does Water mix with Fire? What happens when sensitive and emotional Cancer meets the fiery and bright Leo? It is a mystery. Magic. Enchantment. Charm. Allure.
Just like the charms and allure attributed to the deep-sea population of the mythical and fascinating Mer-folk, individuals born in the Cusp of the Mermaids/Mermen have this engaging personality and aura that attracts anyone and anything they happen upon.
Because of the influence and energy of Cancer, these charmers are also very sensitive, and can self-bind themselves by always trying to avoid making mistakes. It’s important to remember that failures are simply lessons to be learned, and to be used as stepping stones to success.
Don’t be afraid to shine, to express, to be, and you can light up the world with your inner beauty. Let that light within you shine brighter than ever before.
Famous people born on the Cusp of the Mermaids/Mermen:Jennifer Lopez, Daniel Radcliffe, Robin Williams
The Cusp of the Inventors Born between Leo – Virgo (August 20 to August 24)
The Sun’s influence on bright Leo combined with the strong-willed Virgo results in an intense energy which brings forth the birth of inventors.
From this Cusp of the Inventors is a deep well of ideas in all fields of our known world. As inventors, individuals born on this cusp have more than just common sense which makes them capable and great leaders.
However, this extraordinary ability makes them vulnerable to jealousy from others, as their quick-thinking and wittiness to come up with answers when they face dilemmas or problems outshines the attempts of others. As gifted individuals, they must be wary of how they think especially when it comes to passing judgment among other and people who may not function as quickly and accurately as them. They also need to stay away from criticizing and being too hard on themselves, so remember to stay rooted in your own self-compassion.
Famous people born on the Cusp of the Inventors:Coco Chanel, Kim Cattrall, Usain Bolt
The Cusp of the Elves Born between Virgo – Libra (September 19 to September 25)
It is not what you expect, but they say, when two energies striving for perfection combine, an elf is born.
Elves are magical beings who possess intelligence and supernatural beauty. The Cusp of the Elves is an extraordinary cusp because of the shift to the Autumn season – a time of “absolute balance”. Elves symbolize this cusp because they embody magic and beauty.
Individuals on this cusp will be granted their heart’s desires when they find balance in their feelings and emotions through self-love and self-compassion. The influence of both signs and the nature of the elves makes a perfectionist who pampers themselves and their loved ones with beauty and harmony. Famous people born on the Cusp of the Elves:Bill Murray, Will Smith
The Cusp of the Seekers Born between Libra – Scorpio (October 21 to October 24)
The balance of the Libra and the passion of the Scorpio. Libra is naturally curious and observant while Scorpio has the fervor and drive to find out and reveal the truth. Combine both signs and what you get is an incredible Seeker with the ability to find.
Individuals born on the Cusp of the Seekers and influenced by both Libra and Scorpio energies have the passion and the determination to search for the truth and the answers to the questions they ask themselves.
This is their purpose. This is their goal. To seek the truth. And it is not hard for these seekers to reach this goal. A core-splitting inner honesty of the heart will uncover truths about their human nature that only the very wise ever come to know.
However, too much focus will lead to narrow-mindedness which may hinder the seeker’s boundless potential. This pursuit of truth may open doors to creativity if balanced with love, gentleness, and open-mindedness.
Famous people born on the Cusp of the Seekers:Weird Al Yankovich, Pablo Picasso
The Cusp of the Centaurs Scorpio – Sagittarius: (November 20 to November 23)
Centaurs are mythical creatures known to be wise and brave who can “motivate and direct” at the same time.
Their wisdom makes them great teachers. Their bravery makes them great warriors. When the deep waters of the passionate and intuitive Scorpio meet the optimistic and enthusiastic fire of Sagittarius, an individual born on the Cusp of the Centaur has the capability to accomplish seemingly impossible tasks.
Scorpio’s emotional nature and Sagittarius’ open-mindedness creates a balance of their needs and wants. Although reaching goals and winning battles is not hard for them, they still experience the challenges of life along the way, and keeping humble spirit can give them true strength. When it comes to friends and family, Centaurs are some of the most trustworthy and reliable people you can find, and their love runs deeper than most ever know.
Famous people born on the Cusp of the Centaurs: Calvin Klein, Jodie Foster, JFK
The Cusp of the Awakened Ones Sagittarius – Capricorn: (December 19 to December 25)
A cusp situated in the Winter Solstice, the Cusp of the Awakened Ones symbolizes the resting of the sun, which then rises again brighter than ever before. The sun grants individuals born on this cusp a higher consciousness and understanding of the world around them.
The awakened ones are visionaries of the future, the seers of the new age whose higher awareness opens their eyes to things which others cannot see. Their strong beliefs and practical disposition fuel their perseverance in life even when they experience failures and occasional setbacks. It’s important for them to stay rooted in compassion and in their hearts, remembering that even the least seemingly important person is valuable and worth saving.
Famous people born on the Cusp of the Awakened Ones:Ricky Martin, Alissa Milano
The Cusp of the Leaders Capricorn – Aquarius (January 18 to January 21)
The strong and motivated Capricorn with the eccentric Aquarius combined makes a headstrong individual born on the Cusp of the Leaders. They stay true to their own direction and follow their hearts no matter what.
They are good at finding solutions, if the motivation is there. These individuals will do whatever it takes to win the game of life, using their strong-willed attitude, intelligence, and ability to carefully think through decisions.
It’s important to for these leaders to be mindful of the education and information they choose to accept, as taking on the aggressive, angry or even hateful ideas of others can lead to suffering. When they learn from a place of love and the desire to help others, their leadership is truly valuable and makes the world a better place.
Famous people born on the Cusp of the Fairies:Christian Dior
The Cusp of the Fairies Aquarius-Pisces (February 17 to February 20)
When mysterious and wise Aquarius meets with the gentle and empathic Pisces, Fairies come forth. These otherworldly beautiful and mystical creatures have the uncanny ability to draw power and riches towards them.
For the individual born on the Cusp of the Fairies, the Pisces’ meekness makes this person vulnerable to anxieties and uncertainties. But when their feelings are properly understood, and a calm is achieved, these mystical beings cannot be stopped from achieving their heart’s desires.
Often deeply interested in seeing others succeed in life, their pure and loving auras give others the love and energy they need to succeed themselves.
Famous people born on the Cusp of the Fairies:Kurt Cobain, Rihanna
One of the most compassionate beings of love was Martin Luther King Jr. (January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968), an American Baptist minister and activist who became the most visible spokesperson and leader in the civil rights movement from 1954 through 1968. He is best known for his role in the advancement of civil rights using the tactics of nonviolence and civil disobedience based on his Christian beliefs and inspired by the nonviolent activism of Mahatma Gandhi.
King became a civil rights activist early in his career. He led the 1955 Montgomery bus boycott and helped found the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) in 1957, serving as its first president. With the SCLC, he led an unsuccessful 1962 struggle against segregation in Albany, Georgia, and helped organize the nonviolent 1963 protests in Birmingham, Alabama. He also helped to organize the 1963 March on Washington, where he delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech.
On October 14, 1964, King received the Nobel Peace Prize for combating racial inequality through nonviolent resistance. In 1965, he helped to organize the Selma to Montgomery marches, and the following year he and the SCLC took the movement north to Chicago to work on segregated housing. In the final years of his life, he expanded his focus to include opposition towards poverty and the Vietnam War.
Here are 21 of Martin Luther King Jr.’s most powerful quotes of all time:
1. “Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.”
2. “I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.”
3. “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
4. “Never, never be afraid to do what’s right, especially if the well-being of a person or animal is at stake. Society’s punishments are small compared to the wounds we inflict on our soul when we look the other way.”
5. “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”
6. “The time is always right to do what is right.”
7. “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.”
Img: Wiki Commons
8. “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”
9. “I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality… I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.”
10. “Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable… Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.”
11. “All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.”
12. “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
13. “We know through painful experience that freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor, it must be demanded by the oppressed.”
14. “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”
Img: Wiki Commons
15. “Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope.”
16. “The contemporary tendency in our society is to base our distribution on scarcity, which has vanished, and to compress our abundance into the overfed mouths of the middle and upper classes until they gag with superfluity. If democracy is to have breadth of meaning, it is necessary to adjust this inequity. It is not only moral, but it is also intelligent. We are wasting and degrading human life by clinging to archaic thinking.”
17. “Be a bush if you can’t be a tree. If you can’t be a highway, just be a trail. If you can’t be a sun, be a star. For it isn’t by size that you win or fail. Be the best of whatever you are.”
18. “For when people get caught up with that which is right and they are willing to sacrifice for it, there is no stopping point short of victory.”
19. “True compassion is more than flinging a coin to a beggar; it comes to see that an edifice which produces beggars needs restructuring.”
20. “When evil men plot, good men must plan. When evil men burn and bomb, good men must build and bind. When evil men shout ugly words of hatred, good men must commit themselves to the glories of love.”
21. “We’ve got some difficult days ahead. But it really doesn’t matter with me now because I’ve been to the mountaintop . . .I’ve looked over and I’ve seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight that we as a people will get to the promised land.”
One of the greatest pieces of literature ever written by the great Martin Luther King Jr. that everyone should read is his Letter from Birmingham Jail.
Do you fully understand the idea of ‘race’?
See also: ‘Understanding Race’ by Understanding Compassion and discover what studies, science and history have to say on the interesting subject.
Laurel Thatcher Ulrich once said that “Well-behaved women seldom make history,” and those words have been printed on paper and typed onto the internet millions of time ever since. While it’s easy to interpret this phrase to mean whatever you want, the original meaning is meant to celebrate women who choose to be defined by their courage, who are not confined by “appropriateness”, and who help to make this world a better place by being bolder and more creative than others.
Read the following list to find out just how strong and amazing alpha-women really are.
1. They Cultivate A Life They Actually Enjoy Living
Whether single, dating, or in a relationship, alpha-women commit to following their hearts and living a life they love. While trying new things that may be of interest can be uncomfortable at first, they push themselves to take that yoga class, to book that trip they’ve been imagining. Self compassion is a top priority, and they take care of themselves by making sure their needs are met. They understand that even if they’re choosing to wait for a special someone to enjoy an experience they’ve always been dreaming of, that life and time won’t wait for them, so it’s better to do it now.
2. They Make Their Move
Whether it’s walking up to a stranger and offering help or doing a random act of kindness, asking for a raise at work, making an offer on a new apartment, or taking part in some much needed community charity, fearless and bold women take chances and know that going after what they want is more important than the risk of hearing ‘no’. Staying on the sidelines and waiting for someone to bring them the life that they desire or the world they want to see is something that they’ve learned happens too rarely, so it’s best to step up and to make it happen themselves.
Not many women or men are absolutely and completely happy with their their looks or their lives all the time, but fearless alpha-women have learned to love and accept themselves for who they are. Meditation, yoga, reading, and self-learning have grown their self-compassion to where they genuinely and healthily love themselves; the good, the bad, everything. They don’t compare their bodies or their personalities to the unnatural super beauties constantly displayed on TV and in magazines to sell products and movies. Self-criticism, comparing, and anything that would contribute to an unhealthy self-image has been replaced by unconditional self-acceptance and truly honoring the real person that they are.
4. They Don’t Need A Boyfriend But They’re Open To Having A Partner
Alpha-women do not fear being single and are not waiting for a knight in shining armor. They have enough going on in their lives by working on their passions and following their hearts in their careers, that they aren’t looking for a savior through relationship. They genuinely value having people in their lives who help them grow and support their passions, and when they meet someone who accepts, respects and adds value to their life experience, they are happy to spend time with them.
5. They Don’t Waste Time Wishing
Alpha-women understand the difference between thought and action; that thoughts create good ideas, but that action creates results. They don’t waste time wishing past circumstances had turned out differently, but instead focus on the lesson learned, and use that knowledge to move forward to create a brighter future.
If witnessing someone bullying, belittling or emotionally abusing themselves or another, they stand up for what is right and confront the person by setting boundaries. While kindness and compassion is her true nature, no one is being served for love when someone is being harmed emotionally, physically or in any form, and she isn’t afraid to stand up for what is right, even if she stands alone.
7. They Know When To Walk Away
In all of their relationships, bending over backwards beyond their own boundaries of self-respect is not an option. Her strength and independence allows her to walk away when others are not reciprocating and to seek people and situations that will return the same amount of energy that she gives.
8. They Expect FaceTime
While text messages and emails have their place, they appreciate having real conversations face to face. Meaningful conversations and genuine smiles are often left out when only communicating for long periods of time digitally. She knows that in-person meetings are the best for successful relationships, and that a real partner will make time to do this.
9. They Give Themselves A Real Chance To Meet Someone
Bold women know that dating apps and swiping right or left is more for finding a physical only relationship and less meaningful and effective for meeting a genuine partner who desires intimacy. Rather than spending time online, they go to places of interest; bookstores, art galleries, music festivals, anywhere where real human interaction can occur and is likely to have people with similar interests.
10. They Don’t Pretend They’re On An Episode Of “The Bachelor”
Besides being a scripted style show that decides its matches based on ratings rather than love, television romance and competing for a man’s attention is not something fearless alpha-women pursue.
11. They Don’t Worship Celebrities And Rich People
They understand real values such as kindness, compassion, love and generosity are rarely shown on TV, and that being successful means how much someone has given to help those around them, not how much they have gained and amassed just for themselves. Being a star of their own lives and to help those around them is more desirable and sought after.
12. They See Themselves As An Investment
They are proud of themselves and their achievements, and really take care of their bodies and their education. Classes, gym memberships, books, everything that helps them to stay healthy and to grow as a person is worth both the time and the money.
13. They Won’t Be Victimized
They know that sometimes life and people can let them down, but they accept 100% responsibility for their lives, because they know that good change comes from themselves, and not another. The energy spent on blaming and expecting things from others is the needed energy to be used for doing something productive towards their goals, and maintaining a healthy emotional state is being free from having a life that is under the control of another’s decision.
14. They Dare To Go For It
Whatever “it” is, they think things through and take action towards achieving it. Creating their happiness by manifesting their heartfelt desires is more important than the uncomfortable feelings felt by taking action.
15. They Would Never Put Their Lives On Hold To Accommodate Someone Else’s Idea Of Who They Should Be
Their seat is the driver’s seat, not the passenger’s. They confidently drive towards the direction of their dreams.
This is one of those stories that just makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. If you’re having a not so good day, look no further for cheering up! This wonderful exchange between an 88-year-old hospital patient and an ironworker left strangers with opened hearts.
Gloria Porter of Connellsville, Pennsylvania, had a week to spend at the Excela Frick Hospital, and often spent her time looking out of her 3rd floor window and watching the steel and ironworkers construct the new front entrance of the hospital.
One of the days was quite cold and it began to snow, and Gloria became concerned for the safety of the workers. But at the same time, one of the ironworkers, Jeff Reick, was also concerned about the sweet Grandma he had seen watching them through her window.
“This one guy looked over at us and waved, so we waved back,” Gloria said. “I looked down on the beam and he had written, ‘Get well.’”
Img: Action News 4/Youtube
Gloria was moved by the thoughtfulness of this simple message. She had been thinking about how to take care of the workers, and little did she know that they had also been fondly thinking about her.
“I saw the lady at the window looking out. I thought it would be a kind gesture just to tell her to get well,” Jeff said. “I didn’t think much of it. I just tried to make someone feel a little better.”
Yet it was Gloria’s response that gave Jeff the butterflies, as her simple reply were words which he and his coworkers repeat to themselves, and even put stickers of on their helmets. She wrote, “Stay Safe” on a piece of paper and taped it up on her window.
Img: Action News 4/Youtube
“That sign kind of crushed me. I don’t know how she knew ‘Stay safe,’” Jeff said. “It’s kind of like ironworker lingo to stay safe. When I saw ‘Stay safe,’ in the window, I… said [to my coworkers], ‘Did you see that?’”
Gloria’s message what exactly what these kind workers needed to hear on that potentially dangerous and snowy day. Jeff loved Gloria’s reply so he shared the story on Facebook, and even more kindness was to follow.
After reading about their sweet exchange online, a stranger came the same week to the construction site and delivered an envelop addressed to Jeff and his crew. Inside was enough money for lunch for everyone, bringing smiles all around as members of the community came to rally behind this gentle act of love.
“I just try to lead by example and be a good person. I just hope everybody would do things like that,” Jeff said.
A kind exchange between two human beings can be filled with so much love that it inspires strangers to also be kind, and can ripple out for the whole world to see. Consider this week writing a small and simple message of love for a stranger, and you just might cause the ripple that helps make this world a better place.
Please SHARE this story with your family and friends on Facebook to spread this act of kindness!
You are Loved.
The following video from ABC news details their sweet exchange:
