Negativity and selfishness gets great publicity in our social networking, indirect-contact society. You’d be led to believe the world’s running low on good people and that no one cares for or respects one another anymore. Their only concerns are themselves; and when they’re in need, no one is willing to lend them a hand without reward.
This is not the case. Kind, caring, selflessly-generous people still exist. Ricky Valenz is a shining example.
The late great Ritchie Valens would be proud of Valenz. The charismatic Lansing, MI native grew up watching and admiring the “La Bamba” singer, memorizing his music and the dialogue of his biographical movie. Valenz dedicated himself to becoming a renowned Tejano singer like his childhood hero. Today, with his acclaimed soulful voice, he’s an inspiration to many in his own right.
Residing in Texas, Valenz is a multi-time Tejano Music Award nominee and winner. His list of nominations includes Entertainer of the Year, and he’s won Best New Male of the Year and Best Male Vocalist of the Year. While good at what he does, he’s also a good person and one who believes in helping others.
I asked Ricky Valenz to tell me about a time when he did something nice for someone he didn’t know. Here’s what he shared.
“I’ve always believed that you give not only when you have extra or can afford it, but when you don’t. When you give without worry and have faith that God will take care of you, it always comes back.
There have been many times I’ve seen people on the streets where I lived in Michigan. I’ve also seen many people here in Texas where I currently reside, and I’ll give them some cash to ease their day.
There have been a few times where I’ve seen less fortunate folks in market stores with their belongings in a bag and clothes all dirty. They have a hand full of scrapped up change and they are in line to buy a simple bag of chips or even a $2 beer with it.
Without them asking or knowing I’ve told the cashier to simply put it on my tab, I pay for it and walk away.
As I look back they wave or have this look of surprise, which, for me, makes my day.
At the end of the day those people are someone’s family and no matter what their obstacles are, I’m no one to judge. I can only say a quick prayer after and send them on their way. Imagine if every fortunate person in the world did that once every day or even once a week.
Who knows, they may help a future loved one of yours that is one step away from being homeless or one stressful day away from being addicted to a drug and on the streets.
It’s life. I try to give without judgment.” |THIS.
[By Mr. Joe Walker]
“We are the ones who make a brighter day, so let’s start giving.” – ‘We Are the World’
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