Culture of Kindness


Let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and truth.
1 John 3:18


Last year Wednesdays were my favorite day of the week. My mornings were filled with conversation, laughter and inspiration from fellow moms. Lunchtime was dessert on my morning. Nearly every week we would head to haven of kindness.


My face was greeted with a smile. My name was known. My family treated with an extraordinary level of customer service. In fact, I have never had a negative customer service experience at any location, anywhere in the country of this particular establishment.


It's name is Chick-fil-a.


In the midst of a controversy over rights - both marital and speech - one thing has been at the forefront of my mind. Chick-fil-a's actions speak louder than any mayor's words. Their culture of kindness makes their restaurant somewhere I want to go.


Would that, could that be said of me?


I want my children to experience extraordinary customer service in my home.


I want my husband to consider my home a haven.


I want my actions to speak louder than any critic's words.


It was truly awe-inspiring seeing the snake of people and cars lined up Wednesday to support Chick-fil-a. Some were there in opposition to a particular group of people. Others were there in support of certain rights. I think most were there to say thank you to a restaurant who has successfully created a culture of kindness.


I will eat more chicken if it will help me eat less words. I need to respond "my pleasure" when serving those I love. I want to serve with a heart so filled with gratitude, others want to return here again and again.


I desire to cultivate a culture of kindness.


What's one thing you could do today to cultivate kindness?

12 comments:

  1. Wonderful post Shannon, and I so agree with you about chick-fil-a, I could say my sentiments exactly...........and was beyond thrilled to see
    the great turnout of support for the co., Mr. Cathy and freedom of speech, last time I checked we still live in America!
    and you are so right, we could definitely learn a thing or two about service from their employees.
    Did you see the video of the young lady who was
    bullied and handled herself in such a christ like manner.............what a wonderful testimony and I am with you I hope that is what people see in me as well.
    Have a great day hon,
    Blessings, Nellie

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    1. Well I heard the bully got fired so...that's a lesson to all of us to make wise choices, no?

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  2. More kindness? That would mean to me that I every time checkout with my dissatisfaction. Thank you very much for this nice blog you've written.

    I was a midweek in the house of my sister and so I could not read your blogs because ... her computer is old and the translation so sluggish. So happy, I can read your blogs again now.

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    1. Welcome back to the world of fast computers! Hope you had a great time at your sister's house!

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  3. I love the real example twist you made in this post Shannon! I usually think of a "culture of kindness" as "living from my values". What a rewarding way to live! Praise God! ~ Thanks girl, Amy :)

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    1. Amen! I so want to cultivate kindness in my home.

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  4. Great article. It reminds me of my conviction not to mistake the familiarity of home-life with rudeness, sarcasm, or mediocrity. The culture of kindness in the business world (google "the kindness revolution") starts with the heart. It is honest, real, and most applicable with those we are closest.

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    1. Absolutely! Authenticity is who we are at home when no one's looking.

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  5. I appreciate your sentiment about a culture of kindness, but I have to respectfully disagree with your view on the restaurant chain. The owner has every right to do whatever he wants, but I think being outspoken about supporting human rights being violated for part of our population is the opposite of kindness.

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    1. Thanks for your candor, Sarah. No matter what anyone's view of Mr. Truett, I wasn't commenting on him but rather the environment in his restaurants. Their standard of customer service is extraordinarily high - higher than any other store or restaurant I frequent.

      Blessings to you, sweet friend!

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