Pebbles in the Water: One Random Act of Kindness Can Have Ripple Effects

By D.L. Weatherford

 

It's a beautiful day, and you're standing by a pond, watching the ducks on the water. The trees surrounding are still-not much of a breeze, and there's a clear blue sky above. You're admiring the beauty of God's creation. The water is still,

• Language: English
• Publisher: Your New Life Ministries LLC
• Release date: Sep 11, 2023
• ISBN: 9781088298695

D.L. Weatherford

Author D. L. Weatherford was born and raised in a religious family in Dayton, Ohio. His family attended a local Pentecostal Church. It was a small church a congregation of about 80 at the most. The church had a great youth program which he and his cousins were very active in at that. Later in life, decided to move to Florida with his dad and took a job in the roofing industry. In that time, he got married and then his life changed forever after I woke up one morning with a terrible migraine that wouldn't go away and was later diagnosed with NDPH that ultimately changed the trajectory of everything he could imagine.His wife at that time didn't believe the medical issues he was having and did not support him. After coming home from the hospital after having a procedure with instructions from the doctor to stay home she asks, "Why aren't you at work?"She cared more about the money he was bringing in than his health. After that, she left without warning.In the course of events, he stopped believing until one day his grandmother gave him a good come to Jesus talking and this led to other events orchestrated by the Lord to get his attention.He was brought back to God on the morning of February 11, 2011. His life has never been the same. He is excited to share his story with others. It is in writing this book that eventually led to his now wife, author Sandra Lott.

Book preview

Introduction

It’s a beautiful day, and you’re standing by a pond, watching the ducks on the water. The trees surrounding are still—not much of a breeze, and there’s a clear blue sky above. You’re admiring the beauty of God’s creation. The water is still, and you can’t resist picking up a pebble and skipping it across the pond to watch the rippling effect.

Pebbles in the Water: One Act of Kindness Can Have Ripple Effects is about how one act of love can cause a rippling effect and change people’s lives for the better.

You don’t need a degree or have to attend a seminary school; you just need the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit Who works through God’s will and your surrendered heart.

Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence but now even more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good pleasure. (Philippians 2:12-13)

When you humble yourself to be used by God to bring His heart, and His voice of love, to a world that is lost, He will give you what you need, when you need it, to fulfill His purpose. It is His power working through you.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believes on Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto My Father. (John 14:12)

 Every act of love, great or small, can make a big difference, even if it’s just smiling at someone who looks lost, down, or depressed, and everyone else is passing by. One small act of love can make a big difference. You just need to obey the still, small voice of God within your heart as He speaks to you and leads you in the way you should go.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you shall go: I will guide you with My eye.  (Psalm 32:8)

Step out and find the wonders that God can do through you. As you come forward, it allows Him to work through you. You do not need to know every step; you just need to trust that He does.

And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them. (Isaiah 42:16)

Nick stepped out to help a runaway boy, and that act of love and obedience grew into a wonderful lifetime friendship, and ministry, for both Nick’s and Mike’s families. They became lifelong friends in the process. 

Step out, be that pebble in the water, and allow God to be glorified through you. When He is glorified, many people are affected.

I, the Lord, have called you for a righteous purpose, and I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and appoint you to be a covenant for the people and a light to the nations, to open the eyes of the blind, to bring prisoners out of the dungeon, and those sitting in darkness out from the prison house. I am the Lord; that is My name! I will not give My glory to another or My praise to idols. Behold, the former things have happened, and now I declare new things. Before they spring forth, I proclaim them to you. (Isaiah 42:6-9)

1

Mike's Rescue

A teenage boy was walking down the highway in the middle of a thunderstorm. It was dark and cold. His light jacket didn’t help protect what was underneath, as he was soaked to the bone.  

In the distance, he saw a car coming toward him, and he frantically waved his arms while jumping up and down.

The driver of the car noticed him, and he thought, Why is there a kid on the highway? He then pulled over, rolled down the passenger side window, and yelled out to the boy, Hey, get in.

Thank you so much! the hitchhiker replied as he hopped into the passenger seat.

Hi, my name is Nick, the driver of the car said as a means of introduction.

‘’My name is Mike,’’ the young man replied with drops of rainwater falling off his entire body. He felt a little bad about getting the interior of Nick’s car all wet.

 How long had you been out there? Nick asked, interrupting Mike’s thoughts and bringing him back to reality.

 All day; where are you headed?

 Back to Austin, Texas. Where are you heading?

Austin, Texas? Mike replied, in the hope that, by blending in, he would not arouse too much suspicion.

 Nice try, Nick said, seeing through the boy’s ruse. Then, a look of concern mapped his face. Why were you out there; what are you running from?

Everything, Mike replied as he turned his head away and looked outside the passenger window.

They both continued traveling in an awkward silence as Nick continued to drive down the long stretch of Interstate 81.

So, what’s going on with you? Nick asked, breaking the silence. Obviously, you’re running away from a stressful situation. Is something the matter at home?  

 It’s a long story, Mike mumbled.

 We’ve got time.

 It’s bad at my house; I have to get away, far away!

 Okay, now we’re getting somewhere, Nick said.

I don’t want to talk about it anymore! Mike replied, angrily, as he turned his head away again.

Okay, Nick said, trying not to sound too defensive. He needed to gain Mike’s trust to help him.

The rain began to taper off, and Nick saw a sign in the distance that read Restaurants and gas next exit. He then asked the runaway teen, Mike, are you hungry? I’m starving; my treat.

Sure, I could eat, Mike replied.

Great.

Seconds later, Nick pulled off the exit and drove toward a restaurant.

Which restaurant would you like? he asked.

It doesn’t matter, Mike replied.

Okay, this one looks good.

Nick pulled into a small, family-owned, country-style restaurant named Belle’s Diner.

As soon as they walked in the door, the hostess greeted them and took them to their table. She then handed them each a menu.

Within seconds, their waitress came to their table and asked what they would like to drink.

I would like a coffee, please, Nick said.

One for me, too, Mike declared.

She left with their drink orders.

Have y’all decided what you want to eat? she asked after she came back with their coffees.

I would like meatloaf, fried potatoes, and green beans, Nick replied.

And for you, sir? the waitress asked as she addressed Mike.

Sliced turkey with gravy, mashed potatoes, and cottage cheese, the young man replied.

Great, I’ll put this in for you, the waitress said before she smiled and walked away.

As soon as she left the table once again, Nick turned his attention back to the troubled teen. So, Mike, tell me about yourself; what’s your story?

I’m sixteen years old, and my home life is wrecked right now. My parents are constantly arguing, and I can’t take it anymore! Mike then noticed that some people were staring at him because he had raised his voice, but he didn’t care.

I’m sorry to hear that, Nick replied. But this isn’t the way. They have to be worried sick about you! Nick