Geoffrey W. Sutton PhD, Psychology and Culture

Reflecting on the good things people have done reminds us that some people really do good things to help people they do not know. An act of kindness can be a significant investment in the lives of others. My story is about Rev. Fred Packer, of Vineland, NJ who met us at the dock in New York City, drove us down the NJ Turnpike, and welcomed us into his home for a few weeks until my dad found a job. After a few pay checks we were able to afford a small rental house. And dad bought his first car an 8-year old 1949 Plymouth with a dangling cloth roof. It wasn't just the pastor who helped us but he set the example. People in the church brought important stuff-- a cot for me, a stuffed chair, a green AM Motorola radio. And a man at dad's new job gave him a ride to work until dad could afford to borrow funds for a used car. Things got much better as the years went by. But you don't forget those people that gave you a fresh start. Americans who didn't know us b...

How to Make Dreams Come True Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Helping people reach their dreams requires action. On this day we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who took his beliefs public. His message and courageous action inspire many. Immigrants come to the U.S. with dreams. Many realize those dreams. But some did not. And some do not. Speedy was a kind Black man with a broad smile and a willingness to lend a hand to anyone in need. As new immigrants, my father needed a job. He found one within a few weeks but we had no car and there was no public transportation. Speedy faithfully gave my dad a ride until he could save up the money for our first used car. You don't forget the kind things people do. Most of us will never lead a major rally protesting social injustice. Most of us can reach out to people in need. Sometimes it doesn't take a lot to help people on their way to reach their dreams. Sometimes you have to cross the lines of your times. For more inspirati...