By: Brent & Shelly Longnecker
“You can’t live a perfect day without doing something for someone
who will never be able to repay you.”
- John Wooden
In a world where negativity can sometimes seem overwhelming, the simple act of blessing others has tremendous transformative power. Blessing someone – through kind words, supportive actions, and/or prayers – creates a significant ripple effect of positivity and Christian kingdom kindness that transcends our lives. It fosters a spirit of generosity, connection, and loving respect that uplifts people and communities, and enriches all parties involved.
Our two personal foundations were formed with the sole intent to bless others less fortunate than ourselves and to impact the kingdom of God so that our giving impacts not just today but generations to come.
You see, we both grew up between the lines of extremely poor and lower-middle class. We had to fend for ourselves on many fronts which impacted our childhood and formative years. Consequently, our road to giving was not due to our having much; but rather, we both know exactly how it feels to have next to nothing, which still drives us to this day. God has blessed us such that we are purposed, focused, and deliberate in our desire to bless.
Education blessed me and changed my life, and I am grateful to have attended institutions like Jesuit and University of Houston that believed in me enough to provide me with a scholarship while I attended both. Shelly had a similar situation in attending Oklahoma City University, where she, too, was provided a full scholarship. Those beautiful blessings would be pivotal cornerstones for the rest of our lives—lives that we have purposed to live for others. Albert Einstein said:
“Only a life lived for others is a life lived worthwhile.”
By “living for others,” one of the most profound impacts of giving to others is its “ripple effect.” When you bless someone, that act and positive energy almost always encourages them to pass it on and share it forward. In essence, simple acts of kindness typically inspire chain reactions, where the recipient of the blessing becomes the giver in another context… and it just keeps moving forward.
In addition, research supports the notion that acts of kindness – like blessing others – has significant tangible benefits for both the giver and the receiver. Studies show that when people engage in kind acts, their brains release hormones that foster a sense of connection and well-being. Furthermore, being kind and blessing others boosts endorphins and serotonin levels, reducing stress and anxiety for both the giver and the recipients. This, in turn, creates a positive feedback loop where kindness begets even more kindness.
In essence, blessing others isn’t just a moral or spiritual act—it’s a neurological one as well. It helps one forget focusing on self while focusing outward and fosters a healthier you, healthier relationships, and healthier emotional resilience by creating an environment where people become empowered and connected. In a sense, it's the perfect high!
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
2 Corinthians 9:6-8
Blessing others also has a huge impact on our ability to put aside our differences in beliefs, backgrounds, and opinions. Blessing others transcends these divides. Acts of kindness don’t require mutual agreement and/or shared perspectives – it simply requires an intention to encourage and uplift others. By blessing others, we acknowledge our shared humanity, focusing on what unites us rather than separates us. The purposeful habit of blessing others breaks down walls of division and builds bridges of care and empathy. Kind acts help us look past our biases and genuinely see the inherent worth of others. In this way, blessing others becomes a powerful tool for peace and reconciliation.
This Christmas season just remember that the power of blessing others lies in its simplicity and universality. It often doesn’t require much time, effort, and/or money – just a willing, cheerful heart and a desire to encourage and uplift. By blessing others, we improve other lives and communities while enriching our own well-being, we create a culture of kindness, generosity, and compassion that strengthens people, families, institutions, and communities while bringing us all closer together.
Ultimately, blessing others is simply something Shelly and I share, making us a much more connected and happier couple. Blessing others is an act of love and care in its purest form; blessing contributes to a collective sense of well-being. By blessing others, we, in turn, bless ourselves spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Bottom line: The ripples of a giving heart are infinite.
This is a wonderful season to bless – make that call, send a text, take a meal, or just help anyone you know that needs to be uplifted during this season of love! We promise it will be worth it! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
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