One day a young man, who was selling goods from door to door to pay his way through school, found he had only one thin dime left—and he was hungry. He decided he would ask for a meal at the next house. However, he lost his nerve when a lovely young woman opened the door. Instead of a meal, he asked for a drink of water.

She thought he looked hungry so she brought him a large glass of milk. He drank it slowly, and then asked, "How much do I owe you?”

"You don't owe me anything," she replied."Mother has taught us never to accept pay for a kindness.”

He said, ”Then I thank you from my heart." 

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As young Howard Kelly left that house, he not only felt stronger physically, but his faith in God and appreciation for the kindness and generosity he received were increased as well. He had been ready to give up and quit.

Years later that young woman became critically ill. The local doctors were baffled. They finally sent her to the big city, where they called in specialists to study her rare disease. Dr. Howard Kelly was called in for the consultation. When he heard the name of the town she came from, a strange light filled his eyes. Immediately he rose and went down the hall of the hospital to her room.

Dressed in his doctor's gown he went in to see her. He recognized her at once. He went back to the consultation room determined to do his best to save her life. From that day forward he gave special attention to her case and care.

After a long struggle, the battle was won to restore her health. Dr. Kelly requested the business office to pass the final bill to him for approval.

He looked at it, then wrote something on the edge of the paper, and the bill was then sent to her room. She feared to open it, for she was sure it would take the rest of her life to pay for it all. Finally she looked, and something caught her attention on the side of the bill.

She read these words…

"Paid in full with one glass of milk.”
               (Signed) Dr. Howard Kelly

Tears of joy flooded her eyes as her happy heart prayed: "Thank You, God, that Your love has spread here, there and everywhere through human hearts and hands."

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At the right time, a kind word from a stranger, or encouragement from a friend, can make all the difference in the world.  Kindness is free—but it’s priceless. - Doe  Zantamata

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring…all of which have the potential to turn a life around. - Leo Buscaglia

IMAGINE HOW DIFFERENT OUR WORLD WOULD LOOK IF WE GAVE THE KIND OF LOVE TO OTHERS THAT GOD HAS GIVEN US THROUGH JESUS.

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This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. - John 15:12 NLT

Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them.    - Proverbs 3:27 NLT

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.  -Galatians 6:2 NIV

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If you liked this story and would like a copy of either of my books,
they are available on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle format:

If you have a story or testimony that you think might bless others,
I invite you to send it by email to me (Kenneth Kersey) at godsotherways@me.com.

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