The Power of a Peanut Butter Sandwich

Last week was amazing being in a room of people that work everyday to improve the lives of others in their own part of the world. But, one story has been niggling in my mind since I heard it. It's become a personal challenge. Here it is as I remember it:

Tesha, a DC-area resident, commutes into the city everyday for work. She is a beautiful African-American lady with a warm smile. I had not met Tesha before but we share the Credit Union Development Educator, CUDE, designation. Almost two decades separate us in our training but we share the passion of caring for our fellow man.

After coaxing from others in the room, she began to share the story that I cannot stop thinking about and feel I have to share with my little corner of the world. I may not get all the details correct ... so forgive me, Tesha.

She shared that she noticed daily a homeless man. He was hungry and there was something about him that caused her to pause. She decided that she would make him a peanut butter sandwich each day. Having stocked up on bread, peanut butter and jelly, she approached the man and gave him the sandwich. Then, she did this daily for a period of time ... not asking for anything but providing some sustenance to another human being.

One day, she didn't see her friend and didn't for a period of time. I am sure she wondered if he was in jail or worse, perhaps passed on from this life.

Then one day, a well-dressed man approached her and said, "Do you remember me?" She looked at him and then realized it was the recipient of the PB&J. He told her that her kindness had made a difference in his life.

He shared that he was college-educated that had once enjoyed a wonderful life with a great job and family. Then, one day his loved one was killed. In the years following, he fell into alcoholism and his life spiraled out of control resulting in homelessness.

The offering of Tesha's PB&J did more than nourish is body, it nourished his soul. He found the courage and love to find his way back from the darkness that consumed him.

I couldn't hear this story and not feel compelled to do SOMETHING to help someone else struggling. How about you? Can you read this story and just let it go? Stop and love someone today whether it's a PB&J or something other act of kindness. You don't know what has caused people to be in the place they are in but you can be a light in this world that can ignite change. Wouldn't it be grand if everyone would do this ... imagine the possibilities. Thanks Tesha for sharing such a powerful story because it has changed not only your PB&J friend, it changed me!