Back in 2000, a deaf couple was sued in VA court by their landlord for back rent … $250.  Turns out, when the couple got married, they lost some of their government benefits (coz heaven forfend the disabled—oops! “differently abled” — should find love and want state recognition of it) and as a result could not afford their entire rent payment.

During the hearing, the judge stopped the proceedings, left the bench, then returned with 2 $100 bills and a $50.  As he handed the landlord’s attorney the cash, he said “Consider it paid” then dismissed the case.  

And the most commendable aspect of this selfless act (aside from the judge being one of the best people ever) is the fact that the judge himself declined to be interviewed. 

He didn’t do it for the views. 

See!  It ain’t all bad.

But, then again, that was 20 years ago. 

Most of the … a-hem … altruistic behavior in modern times must be recorded on an iPhone 27 or Samsung flip (talk about retro) then uploaded to the dot coms for others to gush. 

Basically, pics or it didn’t happen.

Guy giving food to a homeless person.  [Click]

Schoolkids donating new clothes/shoes to an impoverished classmate.  [Click]

Bringing home a shelter pet (who rescued who, again?) [Click]

GOD had something to say about all this, too.  {Matthew 6:1}
Funny—it’s almost like HE can see the future.  Go figure (no need/HE’s outside time&space – doh!)

Anyway, the action of this judge brought some light to my blackened little heart … thought I’d share. 

Methinks we (the collective royal “we” of our pesky little species) need more of this, and less of that.

Do good because it is good, and not for the external validation of strangers.

Methinks the opinions of others is too high on the GAF(art) list.

We can do better to be better so it gets better. For everyone.