Gentleness CAN Make a Difference

Years ago, my son was on a difficult journey. It was a time in his life and ours when the road ahead felt uncertain, and every step was heavy.

If you’re a parent, you know how challenging those moments can be. But during that season, I received a simple note from a mother that lifted my spirit.In the note, that mother recalled an afternoon at the church ball field, where games were in full swing. 

She and her husband had come to try and step back into this particular Christian community since their son had just been readmitted to the Christian school. When they arrived, their youngest, Cameron—probably seven years old—lit up at the sight of a group of kids playing. But his excitement quickly faded when a few children said, “We don’t want him on our team!” 

Then my son stepped forward from the field, put his arm around Cameron, and said, “Hey buddy, you can be on my team!” He walked Cameron onto the field, making space for him—a simple act that made Cameron feel seen, valued, and included. For this mother, who by her own admission was on the verge of walking away from Christianity, that moment meant everything. 

In that note to me, she wrote: “Your wonderful son played a quiet yet powerful role in keeping me from [leaving the faith]. Even when [your son] wanders off the beaten path now and then, never doubt that God is guiding [him] in ways we might not always see.” She concluded with these words: “God has great things ahead for him.”

Gentleness is an inner quality that moves us toward acts of kindness. It was this gentleness that prompted my son to step in that day, and it was that same gentleness that led a mother to offer encouragement to me, a discouraged parent.

Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience… — Colossians 3:12 (CSB)

Always remember—be gentle, be kind. You never know how profoundly your actions may impact someone’s life.