Woman brought to tears by unexpected gift at Alabama church

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March 16, 2015

From the Church of the Highlands Facebook page

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — What would you do if you found an envelope with several hundred dollars tucked under your windshield wipers? One Alabama woman who attends Church of the Highlands, based in Birmingham, got just that when a fellow church-goer noticed her tire was bulging and decided to bless her with one of the church’s famous “Acts of Kindness.”

The story, posted on Church of the Highlands’ Facebook, has already reached thousands since it was posted Sunday afternoon. The comments are filled with other Highlands’ members sharing their own stories of being blessed by Acts of Kindness.

Post by Church of the Highlands.

Church of the Highlands’ Act of Kindness program encourages members to give a small gift, such as a batch of cookies, a free movie ticket, a large tip, or flowers to someone they see who needs a pick me up, accompanied by a card the church provides that says “Something to show you God loves you.”

“There is no doubt that small things done with great love can change the world,” the church’s website says. “A random act of kindness with no strings attached is a great way to show the love of Jesus to those around us.”

While the website encourages smaller gifts, by reading the comments on the church’s Facebook page, it is evident that larger, extravagant gifts to others in need aren’t uncommon.

“I just started serving tables a month ago,” one commenter said. “On my first night ever serving alone almost everything that could go wrong did. Pipes burst bc of the freeze, a guest slipped & fell. We had fire trucks, police cars & an ambulance. An older gentleman at one of my tables tipped me 100% & left Highlands card with it! It was a giant blessing & I keep the card in my book for work to remind me everyday!”

“My tire completely flew off my car today and the tow truck bill would’ve been more than I could afford today,” said another commenter. “Some very kind man handed me more than was needed for the tow bill and went about his day. #randomactsofkindness”

“I too received not one BUT TWO act of kindness cards at Christmas,” a mother who attends Church of the Highlands said. “Both with 250.00 in cash!!! It saved Christmas for my kids. I’m was a single mom during the holidays. God was so good to us. Love COTH!”

Church of the Highlands meets in 11 different campuses across the state, attracting tens of thousands of believers and non-believers alike with its contemporary worship and gospel-centered message.