RITCH HOCHSTETLER
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We’ve all been there. The news becomes doom-scrolling. The day comes undone. We’re weary, overstimulated, and armored against the world. Our faces tighten. Our hearts close. Then—without warning—a kind word breaks through, carried by a simple smile. And in that fleeting moment, the armor falls away. Our heart lifts. We remember our shared humanity—and step back into it together.
Research confirms what we already know to be true: a single kind word can trigger a ripple effect—boosting mood, increasing self-esteem, and strengthening resilience for both the giver and the receiver. But we don’t really need statistics to tell us this. We’ve experienced firsthand how kindness can lift people from despair and transform social connections.
In The Ragamuffin Gospel, Brennan Manning retells a story that powerfully illustrates how kindness can change mindsets—and even alter the outcome of a deeply difficult situation.
Fiorello LaGuardia, former mayor of New York City was known as “The Little Flower.” He stood just 5’4” and was rarely seen without a carnation in his lapel. He was a colorful and compassionate character—riding New York City fire trucks, taking entire orphanages to baseball games, and, during a newspaper strike, reading the comic strips on the radio so children wouldn’t miss them.
One bitterly cold night in January 1935, LaGuardia showed up at a night court, dismissed the judge, and took over the bench himself. Within minutes, a tattered old woman was brought before him, charged with stealing a loaf of bread. She explained that her daughter’s husband had deserted the family, her daughter was ill, and her two grandchildren were starving.
The shopkeeper from whom the bread was stolen refused to drop the charges. “It’s a bad neighborhood, Your Honor,” he said. “She has to be punished to teach others a lesson.”
LaGuardia sighed and replied to the woman, “I have to punish you. The law makes no exceptions—ten dollars or ten days in jail.”
But as he pronounced the sentence, the mayor reached into his pocket, pulled out a ten-dollar bill, and tossed it into his hat. “Here is the fine, which I now remit,” he said. “And furthermore, I am fining everyone in this courtroom fifty cents for living in a city where a person has to steal a loaf of bread so her grandchildren can eat. Mr. Bailiff, collect the fines and give them to the defendant.”
The next day, the newspapers reported that $47.50 had been given to the bewildered old woman—fifty cents of it contributed by the red-faced shopkeeper—along with donations from some seventy petty criminals, people with traffic tickets, police officers, and others in the courtroom. The mayor received a standing ovation.
Can you imagine the ripple effect of kindness—not only on that courtroom, but on the wider culture of New York City?
At ULEAD, one of our core values is People. We believe people are the greatest asset and driving force behind every mission, movement, and organization. Practically, this means we prioritize listening without judgment, healthy and flexible communication, and treating others as they wish to be treated (the Platinum Rule). Kindness, we believe, is foundational to valuing, respecting, and treating people with dignity.
By contrast, much of the movement in U.S. culture today is shaped by leadership that trends toward judgment, criticism, division, retribution, and narcissism—all of which stand in direct opposition to kindness. Cruelty, too, has a ripple effect: anger, violence, fear, division, and “othering.” The weight of this can feel overwhelming, as though everything is beyond our control. If you feel this way, you are not alone. A Business Insider poll found that nearly 80% of Americans believe the U.S. is spiraling out of control.
In a Facebook post on August 24, 2025, The Mental Health Movement wrote:
“How we treat people has a way of circling back to us. You can’t build peace on top of hurting others—it just doesn’t work that way. The energy we put into the world, good or bad, always finds its way home. Choose to lead with kindness, not because it guarantees anything in return, but because it’s the kind of life you deserve to live.”
So where does this leave us? Certainly not in despair, apathy, or disengagement. Too many people are falling through the cracks, and doing nothing is not an option. This moment calls for creative responses and courageous action.
Here are a few simple, tangible practices that anyone can choose—right now—within their sphere of influence:
1. Offer one kind word or affirmation today.
Fred Rogers once said, “Imagine what our neighborhoods would be like if each of us offered, as a matter of course, just one kind word to another person.”
2. Choose curiosity over judgment.
When you feel anger or judgment rising, ask a question instead of making an assumption. Kindness grows when we intentionally move away from labeling and “othering.”
3. Respond to a need with one small act of service.
Bring a meal. Offer a ride. Check in on someone who seems overwhelmed. Small acts, offered consistently, change lives.
Kindness may seem small, but it has the power to reshape hearts, relationships, and communities. The invitation is simple and urgent: lead with kindness, and help create new possibilities for connection, belonging, and meaningful impact. This is our commitment. Will you join us?
The ULEAD Team