Have you Ever Done an Outrageous Act of Kindness?

[Xipe Totec]

One that in retrospect you realize could have gone terribly wrong but didn't?

And are you glad for it now?

[neuvocat]

1. Some guy asked for some help to get downtown onetime

and didn't have any money. I hailed a cab and gave him ten bucks to drop him off. I'll never know if the guy was just trying to hustle me for money or not but I hope he got home ok.

[NoSheep]

3. One story is so similar I don't even need to elaborate. But-

I did do some things as a young teen-aged girl in the 70's that could have gotten me in deep shit. I got lucky and have always been able to trust my instincts about people as a result.

[Xipe Totec]

8. Same time frame as myself!

I had just moved to a new city to start a life on my own. I literally did not know anybody in a town of over a million souls.

Heading home on a dark rainy night I saw a hitchhiker making his way up the freeway. He was using a trash bag as a raincoat, with arms and head sticking out through holes he punched in the bag. Unshaved, unkempt, and unfed for two days, as I found out after I picked him up.

Took him home, fed him half of my meager rations (I had just received my first small paycheck), and gave him a place to sleep in my apartment. Took him to the bus station the next morning, put a 20 dollar bill in his hand, and wished him good fortune.

Afterwords I realized what I risk I took by doing this, and it made me shiver to think that my life could have ended there and then.

I don't know what ever happened to the man. I can only hope he found his way to safety.

Back then, I was alone and did not have anyone depending on me for their livelihood. Today, with a wife and three children, I don't know that I could afford to take such a risk.

I am glad I did it, when I was still able.

[NoSheep]

12. Do you think those times were different, or did we just get lucky?

I never met a stranger. Would go home with anyone, invite anyone to stay over, etc. Seems there was some unspoken understanding then. If I may say so, a lot of folks smoked weed and I think there was an ethic around that where you were just cool and we were all in the same boat. Now, capitalism seems to have alienated a lot of people and there seems to be more greed and danger.

[Xipe Totec]

14. A Little of Both, Perhaps

But my hope is that it's not the times that have changed, but just us.

I hope that somewhere out there the young people of America are doing the same kinds of outrageous things that we did when we were young. And someday, years from now, they too will reflect on their personal acts of kindness and wonder: "What were we thinking!"

:evilgrin:

[skygazer]

43. I've wondered that myself

I think those times were somewhat simpler and more trusting BUT I don't think it's really changed too much at a basic level. In 1978, I was 17 - I hitchhiked all over the country one summer. It was great and I never had a problem (I was female and alone).

In 1998, when I was 37, I did it again (long story). I had almost no money yet I hitched from Vermont to California and back - never asked a soul for a cent or a favor beyond a ride but when they'd hear where I came from, they'd hand me a five or buy me lunch, let me sleep in the car, etc. One guy let me stay at his house overnight, another let me sleep in his car while he got a room. I met nothing but good and generous people.

I really think that the majority of the people out there are okay. They may not go out of their way to help others but when confronted with them on a one on one basis, they are willing to lend a hand. The thing is, we don't hear about that - we hear the shocking stories which are the exception rather than the rule.

[salin]

28. don't think that it could have gone wrong

but one fall - a local group that does "thanksgiving baskets" (for meals and then some -for after thanksgiving) saw a dramatic drop in donations of food goods. While I had been living as a poor grad student for a long time - I was now working as an analyst - and while not great pay - since I was still living (in terms of spending) like the starving grad student - I called and learned how much was needed in two staples - and went out and filled that entire gap. Dropped arond $750 to do it. Had never given in such a big donation before - and it set me back a bit - but it felt great to be able to do it (that alone felt like a blession) - and great to contribute to help families through the holidays - and between holidays.

Not nearly as big but this year we did a can drive for the winter - and I went out every night for a week and filled up the car. I really need to do this more regularly rather than just at the times of "drives."

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

2. I think so

but what I have found more intersting in my life is how my kindnesses have come back to me tenfold, praise God!

[Xipe Totec]

6. Praise yourself

For when you do act with kindness, you are reflecting the Divine light in all of us.

[NoSheep]

13. Nice.

[DistressedAmerican]

4. Donated My Nose To MJ!

Xipe Totec!!!!

Our Lord The Flayed One!!!

My Fave of The Aztec Gods! My students always love my lectures on him!

[Xipe Totec]

5. I Chose him for the symbolism

I have no skin of my own, so I'm free to experience life from other people's perspective; To feel what it's like to live in someone else's skin, as it were.

It is a way for me to say that skin, and it's color, does not matter.

[FizzFuzz]

30. OK, you piqued my curiosity

What do you mean you have no skin of your own?

Interesting imagery........

[Xipe Totec]

36. Speaking Metaphorically

Xipe Totec is "Our Lord who is Flayed", often signifying that he lacks most of his original skin. Thus he is often portrayed as wearing the skin of another

http://members.aol.com/xiuhcoatl/xipe.htm

I am searching for my identity and find too many mixed cultural influences. American, Amerindian, Middle eastern, Irish, German, etc. So much so, that I don't know what my true cultural self is.

Sometimes I feel Mexican, sometimes Semitic, sometimes American. When I do, it is as if I am wearing someone else's cultural identity like a skin that is not my own.

[FizzFuzz]

37. thanks for explaining, Xipe Totec

that makes sense.

It also makes me think of when I struggling with my sexual identity. Being bi, I went through a period when I thought I had to declare an allegiance. I finally came to realize, it didn't really matter. I am ever changing. What matters is the person on the inside and I will pair off with the right person; the packaging is secondary.

Shapeshifters don't have to be constrained by the judgements of others.

:hi:

[Xipe Totec]

11. PS: You might want to share this with your students

The Catholic version of Xipe Totec....

http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/saintb11.htm

[XemaSab]

18. Eh, I prefer Chac

No offense, XT.

You teach mesoamerican archaology?

[Lauri16]

7. Well it couldn't have gone wrong but

I could have gotten my butt chewed out BIG time.

I work at a Customer Service Desk that has Western Union, and right after the desk closed, this man who was in his late 60's, i'd guess, came in and needed to wire money to his daughter who was on her way home from college. Her car broke down and she had no money. He had no idea that the fees for Western Union were so high, (outrageously high in my opinion). The poor guy was almost in tears. I told him not to worry about the fee, that I would take care of it. He said he'd pay me back. I didn't think so, but that comes from alot of times of helping people out that are a few bucks short.

I came in to work 2 days later and there was an envelope there for me with a thank you card and the money for the fee. :)

[Xipe Totec]

9. Lovely story

Thank you for sharing it.

[Left Is Write]

10. That was very kind of you.

[Awsi Dooger]

15. Not outrageous kindness, but two years ago at Treasure Island casino

Some guy I barely knew from the sportsbooks came up to me at 1 AM, asking for a $15 loan so he could finish playing a bonus slot machine. I was playing a similar machine when he approached me. I gave it to him and he said to meet him in the sportsbook and he would repay the 15 bucks.

Ten minutes later I walked over there and it was obvious why the guy needed the 15 dollars; he had conned two women to play the machine and then abandon it on the verge of the bonus. They had figured out he hustled them and now they were smack behind him while he played the machine. He saw me and asked for more money. One of the women followed him and was furious, saying they knew exactly what happened and that I must be involved if I gave him money. I threw my hands up in innocence but the woman didn't buy it.

After he got the bonus (winning $70+) the guy ran over, handed me the $15 and said, "the heat is on." The women went straight to casino security and I joined them, insisting I had no idea he had done anything wrong when I loaned the $15. They took us upstairs to the security office and it was 2 hours of hell. I had to write out a statement and wait for security to examine the tape. The women, tourists from Virginia, were desperate for a scalp and I was the only remaining candidate. One security guy after another took me aside and questioned me, including the chief of security. Luckily I knew two of the security undercover guys and they realized I was a sports betttor and not a hustler. Finally they reviewed the tape and cleared me. The women were furious, emphasizing why would I give money to a near-total stranger if not involved. The casino showered them with comps but they left the security office still barking at me.

[Xipe Totec]

16. Strange, but Interesting Story

We never know when or where our actions will demolish the illusion of control we have over our lives. I am sure that to this day, those ladies are convinced you were a hustler.

[Awsi Dooger]

31. No doubt about it

I felt really terrible. For two hours in the security office I tried every means to convince them otherwise. I even pulled high dollar sports betting slips out of my wallet and showed them to the women, i.e. why would I bet several hundred dollars per game and then risk getting booted from a casino via hustling a nickel machine?

[XemaSab]

17. Yesterday

I bought bread, PB, and J for a dude begging on the street.

He could have been a total freak, but it was broad daylight at a busy intersection, so I felt pretty safe.

[Xipe Totec]

26. There is no kindness too small

Nor object unworthy of it. You reminded me of the moral lesson of the level:

"The Level demonstrates that we are descended from the same stock, partake of the same nature, and share the same hope; and though distinctions among men are necessary to preserve subordination, yet no eminence of station should make us forget that we are brethren; for he who is placed on the lowest spoke of fortune's wheel, may be entitled to our regard; because a time will come, and the wisest know not how soon, when all distinction, but that of goodness, shall cease; and Death, the grand leveler of human greatness, reduce us to the same state."

[XemaSab]

49. Wow

Who is that quote from?

[Xipe Totec]

54. Masonic

The Senior Warden of a Masonic Lodge wears a level as his badge of office. The is the admonition read to the Warden when he is installed in a public ceremony.

It is one of my favorite quotes and always inspires me to strive for equality and look after the less fortunate.

[XemaSab]

56. You're a mason?

Haven't met too many of those.

Most of my knowledge of Masonry comes from that one Simpsons episode.

Who robs cavefish of their sight?
Who rigs every Oscar night?
We do! We do!

[Xipe Totec]

58. Yes, I am

You have probably met more Masons than you realize, many of them here at DU.

Kephra had a Masonic funeral

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=151&topic_id=1354

[XemaSab]

59. The only mason

I've ever met who was "out" was the phlebotomist who took my blood when I donated. The ring was a giveaway.

[Xipe Totec]

60. It could be a family heirloom

Probably not. But many non-Masons wear the symbols without knowing what they mean.

Strange that you should mention phlebotomist. I donate every eight weeks regularly. It is a habit I got into when I became a Mason. My lodge in Texas was a big Blood Drive sponsor and collected about three hundred pints a year. I lost count of Gallons donated after I passed the five mark.

Masonry is a philosophy. You will know us by our deeds, thoughts, and words. It is all about the internal, not the external.

[XemaSab]

61. I asked him about it

and he said he was a mason.

He also said there were a lot more out there than I would think.

I really don't know much about masonry at all. Is there a website I could learn more on, or is it all hush-hush?

I'm female, so I can't BE a mason.

[Xipe Totec]

62. Two sources for you

Grand Lodge of California (I took the liberty of checking your location)

http://www.freemason.org/freemason_online.php

(plus related organizations in California)

http://www.freemason.org/resources_links.php


Second source:

Grand Lodge of Texas (Because it is my mother Lodge)

http://www.grandlodgeoftexas.org/


Masonry is no secret. If you don't believe me check the Yellow Pages under Lodges-Masonic. However, it is a requirement in Masonry that those who wish to join it do so unbiased, unpressured, and uninfluenced by friends. It is a Masonic offense in most Grand jurisdictions to actively recruit for membership. Because of this, many Masons just don't speak about the fraternity to non-Masons for fear of being perceived as recruiting members. This in turn is perceived by the public as the fraternity being hush-hush.

Thank you for asking me about Masonry. I hope you enjoy learning more about it.

[XemaSab]

63. Thanks for the links

I'll explore these later.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

19. Once on the way to a gig downtown,

I was driving through a not-so-great neighborhood just as it was getting dark. I saw this young woman carrying a suitcase who walked nervously along. She was wearing a rather too short skirt to boot.

My first thought was that she had gotten lost coming from Union Station, and really had no clue where she was going. So I stopped the car and offered her a ride to safer surroundings.

When she got in, thanking me, the car suddenly reeked of cigarettes, sweat, and sex. She told me that she was scared because some other girl threatened to beat her up if she caught her working her corner again. So I asked her if Thomas Circle was ok for her; and she said that was fine.

As she left, she asked if I was sure there wasn't anything she could do for me.

"No thank you, dear. Have a nice day." :blush:

[Xipe Totec]

21. No need to blush

Even Mary Magdalen was worthy of our Savior's love.

You did a kind deed, and that's the important thing to remember.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

22. I've read a theory that Mary Magdalen was

not a prostitute, as we have been led to believe; but that she was actually Jesus' spouse.

I have no problem with prostitutes, it was just a little embarrassing that she thought I was a customer.

[Xipe Totec]

23. Ah, I get it!

Oh well that would be funny, and embarrassing.

I once had a gay man follow me to my apartment. I thought I was having a nice conversation. He thought I was picking him up. That was awkward. I felt bad because I was so clueless. :blush:

[GoddessOfGuinness]

32. My most awkward moments turn into

the funniest ones in time. Maybe I just use humor to deal with them....

[GalleryGod]

20. When I was 20 and driving through the South......

I literally ran in to a burning garage to rescue a goat!O8)
I kid you not.
I didn't know that it was a prize winning (4-H) goat ,either:patriot:

[Xipe Totec]

24. No Kidding? Great Story!

Thanks!

[Madrone]

25. I kid you not.

Har har.

;)

[stlsaxman]

27. this could not have gone wrong in any way, but-

The bass player in the band I played in a few years back mentioned a few times that he really would like a good electric guitar, not asking, just wishing.

A little background: he was in the basement of folks that hosted a party that was the first time my very first band played. I was 16... he was 7 or 8... didn't notice he was there, but he kept up with the bands i played in over the decades, and only after he joined the band we were in together started mentioning the names of all these folks he knew that I knew as well. These names stretched throughout my musical "career" and it was there he told me "yeah- I was at the party in the Ure's basement when your band Earwacks played". I was bowled over- Little wonder then that this guy could pick up or sense what type of bass lines i would think were most appropriate for the song (we played mostly originals). It was awesome!

So back to the story- about the time Tom (his name) was longing for a good guitar there was a chance that I would receive some settlement money for my fathers death... I never mentioned it, but a month or so later it came through and I went over to his house with a very nice Fender Strat. "Hey Tom- look what I got!" "Cool guitar, dude!, can i play it?" "You can play it all you want- it's yours". "DUDE!!!!"

:headbang:

It's allll good.

[BearClaws]

29. One cold winter's night,

I bought a homeless guy dinner and a hot cup of cofee.

[Maddy McCall]

33. I live my life by the rule...

that you never know when you are entertaining an angel.

I try to perform on act of kindness everyday, for someone I don't know.

Several years ago, I was driving home, and an elderly man was on the side of the road, with no help...it appeared that his old truck was broken down. I pulled up and asked him if I could help. He told me that he had run out of gas. I ran to my dad's house, picked up a container of gas, and brought it back and put it in his tank for him. He dug into his pocket, but I told him I would not accept payment, that he could help someone else out in the future. A couple of weeks ago I ran into him at a quick stop. I didn't remember him, but he certainly remembered me, and he told me that what I did for him that day was the nicest thing anyone had ever done for him. He said he had never forgotten me and always wondered if we would cross paths again. He acted like he wanted to hug me but didn't know if it would be ok with me, so I reached out and hugged him. He had tears in his eyes. I told him that him just telling me his story was enough of a payment.

Also, I am raising my son to do random acts of kindness. When we are loading groceries, sometimes he'll disappear, and I'll turn around, and he'll be helping an elderly man or woman put groceries in their car. He holds the door open for people, man or woman, sometimes to the point that I have to remind him that we can't stand there all night. :D

But Oprah didn't inspire all of this in me. My father did. His basic life's philosophy is that nothing you can have is as valuable as resting your head at night knowing that you have helped other people. I couldn't even begin to list the ways that my father has provided this example for me as I grew up. He is the greatest person I know. I only aspire to be half the person he is. He loves humanity.

[Xipe Totec]

39. Beautiful story, and a great inspiration to your children

I used to take my boys with me on Sundays, pick up a few McDonald's value meals, and hand them to the homeless people by the side of the road. It was not much, but it came from the heart. I hope these acts have as much influence over my boys, as your father's acts did over you.

:hi:

[autorank]

34. Every day and then I come here to cleanse myself...

[CaliforniaPeggy]

35. One day I was driving home from work. There was a young woman

in her car trying to pull out from a gas station into traffic. I was in a position to let her out, and so I did. We were at the corner, and the light had just turned red against us. While we were sitting there, I noticed that her gas cap was still sitting on the car...I charged out of my car and ran up to hers, grabbed the gas cap and put it on...Then I ran back to my car, and got in, heart pounding...Then the light changed...I was so scared, but I had time and it worked...

:scared:

[Xipe Totec]

38. Definitely Qualifies as Outrageous

The kind of act you're glad you did, and glad you survived, but definitely want to think twice before doing again.

That took guts.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

42. Thanks! I did have a few seconds to really consider if I really

wanted to do it...and I did really want to...I thought hard for those few seconds because I was only too aware of the risks. I am glad I did it, but honestly, I hope to never be in that situation again.

[barb162]

40. yes, I picked up a man walking home from thre train station

on a brutally cold night. Nothing happened other than I dropped him off at his front door and he was grateful. Basically I think women should never pick up men but it was so cold I did it anyway.

[flvegan]

41. Yup...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=231x3292

I suppose I could've gotten in big trouble, etc. I am glad for it now, and I'd do it again.

[Xipe Totec]

55. Ok, that's definitely militant kindness

Glad you rescued the animals.

Sad that it had to be done.

Pissed that some people can be so cruel to animals.

Relieved that you came through safely.

[skygazer]

44. I came close to it

I offered to have my best friend's child for him. He wanted a child but not a wife. Unfortunately (or fortunately, as it turned out for me), when I went to the doctor for a physical in preparation, he found that I had cervical cancer and I had to have a hysterectomy.

It all worked out, though. My friend met the woman who has since become his wife - they have two beautiful kids and I'm healthy and happy. I would have done it in a heartbeat, though.

[Xipe Totec]

46. Beautiful Story

You are a kindred spirit to one of my favorite cousins. When she was pregnant for the third time she found out that she had an ovarian tumor. The doctors thought it was malignant. They recommended that she have an operation to remove it, but it would mean losing her baby. She refused. The doctors warned her that if she waited, it might be too late to have the tumor safely removed and she might die. She still refused. She carried her baby to term and then had the operation which, thankfully, was a success and mother and daughter are fine now; fifteen years later.

My cousin named her daughter Yisuri Aimee - Beloved Suffering

[Rabrrrrrr]

45. No, but I peed in the subway

[kwassa]

47. I saved a woman from drowning without knowing any life-saving techniques

Me, a tourist on vacation in Hawaii, snorkeling in Hanauma Bay, with mask, fins and snorkel.

The bay is a submerged volcanic crater, with a series of parallel reefs a few feet below the surface. The tide was going out, and there was a strong undertow headed through gaps in the reef out towards the ocean. There was a Japanese couple yelling frantically, in Japanese. I didn't realize at first that they were in trouble. I looked around and realized that I was the only one anywhere close to them. We were a couple hundred feet from the beach. I could see that the woman was seriously panicking. I swam over, not sure what to do, and ended up diving to the bottom, which was about eight feet deep, planting my feet in the sand, grabbed her feet, and physically walked her towards the reef. I managed to do so at the point of exhaustion and lack of air. I don't know why I chose to do this, or do this this way. Soon after I got her onto the reef, which is no fun to lie on, a lifeguard showed up on a surfboard, and in his laid-back style said "Someone having a problem?". I was completely winded and unable to move.

He took the young woman back on the surfboard with her SO at her side. I never saw any of them ever again. I made my way back to shore, told my girlfriend, who hadn't seen any part of it. I started to wonder myself if it really happened.

[SmokingJacket]

52. That's a remarkable story! Wow.... nt.

[Old_Fart]

48. Acts of kindness you never think about doing, you just do it!

We do it on an ongoing basis and one never gives it a second thought. If someone has only done it once in their lifetime then it's time to start doing volunteer work. Acts of kindness comes from the heart and no one should expect anything in return for it.

Acts of kindness should be part of being a Democrat!

[Xipe Totec]

50. Kindness Should be a way of life, no argument there

That is what is expected of us every day.

The question, though, is about outrageous acts of kindness; The ones that, for an instant, stand you in His judgment waiting to find out if this will be the day He calls you to rest from your labors.

[Old_Fart]

51. Your right

I can see a right wing guy going out of his way to do something in order to get his face plastered all over the boob tube. What separates us from the right is we still have a heart and we do things because we want to not because we have to.

Take the religious nuts for instance. They will do a good deed only if they think that they can get it back in return from God ten fold. :crazy:

[funkybutt]

53. Sometimes I purchase items from the snack machine...

and just leave them inside the machine. Pretty small act of kindness but I'm waiting for some good snack machine Karma b/c whenever I WANT to purchase a snack, the machine has some kind of malfunction.

[Xipe Totec]

67. That's neat!

Thanks, you put I smile on my face!
:yourock:

[Redstone]

57. Does running into a house that was on fire

across the street with my fire extinguisher and saving it from burning down (and roasting the neighbor and two of her cats) count?

Yes, it could have gone quite wrong. Didn't consider that at the time. There are situations where only action is required, and thought is superfluous, if not indeed counterproductive.

Redstone

[Xipe Totec]

64. Absolutely, and without a doubt!

Kudos!

:bounce:

[Skittles]

65. intervened when I saw three teenage boys beating on another teenage boy

I jumped out of my car and ran over and told them to f***ing stop it already - and they did.

Yeah I am glad I did it; I've never been the kind to not "get involved".

[peekaloo]

66. Young father outside a grocery store asking people for help.

Not money, he just needed diapers for his kids. Several customers before me called the store manager to have him removed. He was showing pics of his kids and seemed genuinely desperate. As I walked up he approached me just as the store manager came out. I told the manager he was with me and I took him through the store and basically bought the guy's kids some food, juice, laundry items and diapers. He refused to get anything for himself, just wanted his kids to be fed and clean.