Alva James-Johnson: Acts of kindness strengthen faith

It's pouring rain, and I'm standing in the lobby of the Hardaway Building wishing I had an umbrella.

There's one lying in the back seat of my car. But what use is it now, as I watch the storm through glass doors?

Soon the building's security guard presents a solution. He says he will get his umbrella out of his car and walk me to my vehicle.

At first I resist the offer because I don't want to be an inconvenience. But he insists, and we brave the storm together.

"I'm sure this isn't a part of your job description," I tell him, as we walk out of the building and up the stairs to the parking lot. "So please let your mother know that she did a good job raising you."

He flashes a big smile and continues to cover me with the umbrella while I hop into my car.

That incident occurred Wednesday as heavy rain and strong winds ripped through the area, catching me off guard.

There's a lesson here, of course, about always being prepared for a rainy day. And I hope it is one I will long remember.

However, what replayed in my mind over and over as I drove home that night was the kind act of a stranger. In recent days, we've been so bombarded with news about political, ethnic, racial and religious strife, that the experience was a refreshing reminder that there are still a lot of good people in the world. And we see it around us every day.

Not long after leaving work, I stopped at the CVS on Macon Road to pick up an item. This time I had my umbrella in hand as I dashed into the store to make the purchase. As I was leaving, a man was coming in out of the rain and closing his umbrella.

"Stay safe out there, and God bless," he told me while passing by. And I wished him the same.

The exchange only deepened my hope for humanity. In fact, since moving to Columbus, my husband and I have marveled at the kindness and hospitality shown to us by so many people. Just last Saturday, a couple from our church had our family over to their home for a scrumptious meal and fellowship.

The group crossed racial lines, cultural backgrounds and generations. And I couldn't help but wonder how better our world would be if there were such gatherings on every corner.

So, as we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, let's try to focus on all the good people in our lives instead of those who wish to do us harm. And let's pray for people recently victimized by terrorist attacks, as well as those influenced by hateful ideology. I believe it will take supernatural power to fix the mess that we're in.

That doesn't mean we should be oblivious to the threats that we face in a world where evil is always present. We still have to be vigilant and prepared for whatever may come.

However, there's solace in knowing that light always outshines darkness, and there's a silver lining behind every storm.

So, from my home to yours: Have a blessed Thanksgiving, everyone!

Alva James-Johnson, 706-571-8521. Reach her on Facebook at AlvaJamesJohnsonLedger.

This story was originally published November 19, 2015 at 11:01 PM with the headline "Alva James-Johnson: Acts of kindness strengthen faith ."