One night about 11:30 p.m., an older black woman was standing on the side of an Alabama highway trying to endure a lashing rainstorm. Her car had broken down and she desperately needed a ride. Soaking wet, she decided to flag down the next car. A young white man stopped to help her, generally unheard of in those conflict-filled 1960s. The man took her to safety, helped her get assistance and put her into a taxi. She seemed to be in a big hurry, but wrote down his address and thanked him. Several days went by and there was a knock at the man’s door. To his surprise, a giant console color television was delivered to his home. A special note was attached. It read: Thank you so much for assisting me on the highway the other night. The rain drenched not only my clothes, but also my spirits. Then you came along. Because of you, I was able to make it to my dying husband’s bedside just before he passed away. God bless you for helping me and unselfishly serving others.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Nat King Cole
We all have times when life rains down on us, drenching our spirits. We all have had times when we feel overwhelmed and all alone to deal with the cares of this life. The man who came to Mrs. Cole’s aid was filled with compassion and overlooked her color. He saw a person in need. He did not know who she was and therefore was not looking for a reward. He was willing to be inconvenienced. He stopped. He did what was right. He served.
What a lesson for us as leaders, how to lead with compassion and a willingness to serve others in need. As a leader, be aware of opportunities to serve, and be willing to be inconvenienced.
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