April 29, 2024

There's a story I read recently that touched my heart, and it might do the same for you. 

The story is about a young and poor Howard Kelly, selling goods door-to-door to pay for his education. One day, he had only one dime left and felt hungry. He decided to ask for a meal at the next house he came across. However, when a lovely young woman opened the door, he lost his nerve and asked for water instead. The woman thought Howard looked hungry and offered him a large glass of milk. Howard drank it slowly and asked her, "How much do I owe you?" The woman replied, "You don't owe me anything. My mother has taught us never to accept payment for a kindness." Howard thanked her from his heart and left the house feeling stronger and renewed faith in people's goodness.

Years passed, and the same young woman became critically ill. The local doctors were puzzled, so they sent her to the city to meet with specialists to study her rare disease. Dr. Howard Kelly was called in for consultation, and when he heard the name of the town she came from, a strange light filled his eyes. He immediately went to her room and recognized her at once. Dr. Kelly requested that he be in charge of her case and gave it special attention. When the battle was won, he asked the business office to send the bill to him for approval. Upon receiving the bill, he looked at it, wrote something on the edge, and sent it her way.  She was afraid to open it as she was sure it would take the rest of her life to pay for it all. Finally, she did, and when she did, the words on the side caught her attention. She read, "Paid in full with one glass of milk," signed by Dr. Howard Kelly.

Her kind words to him, "You don't owe me anything," had changed Howard's life, and years later, her simple act of kindness and generosity returned to her when she needed it most.

Intentionally Own It: In what ways are you spreading hope to others through your daily actions? Click here for inspiration to live a life that makes a difference!