Tag Archive for: do good

Sixty Seconds of Christmas

And so, this is Christmas…
For weeks, actually months, it’s been anything but simple.
Countless calls and meetings. Spreadsheets. Logistics. Risk assessments. Transport. Permissions. Volunteers. Charities. Launch plans.
A small army of remarkable people giving their time, energy and hearts to make the Light the World Machines in Birmingham and London a reality.
The effort to get those machines switched on and standing proudly in the middle of busy shopping centres was, frankly, huge.
And yet…the most precious moment of my entire year with the machines didn’t come at the launch. It didn’t come from a speech, a photo opportunity, or a “job well done”.
It came in about sixty seconds.
Whilst in Birmingham, a young woman approached the machines and paused in front of them.
She asked me a question, then scanned the machines slowly and thoughtfully. Settling on a hygiene kit, she tapped her card, spent £20, smiled warmly and simply said, “Thank you.”💕
That was it.
No fanfare.
No explanation.
No need for agreement on beliefs, backgrounds or labels.
Just generosity.
Just kindness.
Just a human recognising the quiet opportunity to help another human.
In that moment, all the noise fell away and it just felt good.
It didn’t feel like a campaign.
Or an initiative.
Or even an event.
It felt like Christmas.
Because Christmas, at its heart, isn’t about scale or spectacle.
It’s not about how polished the lights are or how perfectly the plan came together.
It’s about noticing.
It’s about choosing compassion.
It’s about giving – freely, quietly, and without needing recognition.
That young woman will probably never know what her simple act meant to me.
But in that very moment, through her act of kindness, she captured the true spirit of Christmas.
And so, this is Christmas.
Where has Christmas quietly revealed itself to you this year?

Small Gifts, Big Light

Earlier this week, I took an early morning flight down to Birmingham for a very important event.
What an unforgettable day it turned out to be! 😊
Standing beside the Light the World Charity Machines, surrounded by friends, volunteers, families, shoppers, dignitaries, a missionary choir and even Father Christmas 🎅 himself, I was reminded again of the simple truth that small acts of kindness can create extraordinary light.
The launch was more than just a fun event.
It felt like a gathering of goodness.

Joy

I watched people smile as they discovered they could gift a meal, newborn essentials, clean water, hygiene supplies, job training, a goat, a sheep or even a chicken, right there in the middle of Grand Central, to help our 9 charity partners.
I saw children tug at their parents’ sleeves, wanting to “press the buttons.”
I saw complete strangers talking to one another, volunteers sharing stories, and hearts quietly softening in the bustle of a very busy shopping mall.
And for a moment, it didn’t feel like December chaos in a shopping centre.
It felt like Christmas.
Don’t get me wrong there were many who walked by with that classic “What on earth is happening here?” expression… while others slowed down, curiosity overcoming them, and soon found themselves caught up in the spirit of it all.
I’m grateful for the countless hands, early mornings, late nights, prayerful efforts, and steady teamwork that made this possible.
Many in Birmingham were generous, full of the festive spirit, and I left feeling humbled by the kindness I witnessed over and over again.
If you’re in the city, please stop by and experience it for yourself.
The machines are in situ until 21st December, next to Nando’s in Grand Central.
Look out for them arriving in Spitalfields Market in London from Saturday 6th December too.
As you visit, I promise, it will lift your mood, brighten your day, and maybe even spark something in your heart.
Because when we choose to give, even in the smallest ways, the light we share shines far beyond what we can see.
Who in your world could use a little light this week?

Someone to lean on

Yesterday, I spent some time with a dear friend and sat with him in the hospital for a while.
It struck me how important it is that we all have someone to 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒏 on.
In life, we all face moments of challenge, uncertainty, and even joy that are made better by having someone to lean on.
Whether it’s a friend, family member, or partner, the presence of a trusted person provides emotional and psychological benefits that are invaluable.
At the very core of our well-being is the need for connection.
My experience is that as we share our burdens and joys together, it not only lightens our loads but strengthens the bonds between us.
When life feels overwhelming, knowing that there’s someone to lean on brings comfort and peace.
This sense of support reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles.
It’s more than just having someone to talk to; it’s about having someone who listens, cares, and stands by you.
Simply stated we all need that connection and support from one another, to help us navigate our way through tough times with greater confidence.
In fact, those were his words to me yesterday.
“Thanks for being here, you give me confidence.”
Everybody needs others.
And not just in tough times.
When we experience positive results, no matter how big or small, sharing those moments with someone else magnifies the joy.
Knowing that others are there to cheer us on when things are going well can add meaning to our accomplishments.
Being that person someone else leans on creates a sense of purpose and somehow it can strengthen our own resilience too.
In essence it feels good, just to be able to do some good – that warm fuzzy.
It’s a reciprocal relationship that makes everyone involved feel valued.
In our world today it can sometimes feel isolating and lonely.
Having someone to lean on, is now crucial for our mental and emotional well-being.
In the end, life becomes richer and more meaningful when we have that essential support from one another.
Step forward today and be someone to lean on…