Kroger Kindness for Josie

 Jo came with me to Kroger to get groceries. While we were at the front of the produce section near the store entrance,  Josie suggested we get sushi since it was $5 sushi day. I sent her over to check them out and told her I’d meet her there in a sec, after I grabbed some fruit. Whist after she walked away, a nice looking lady came up to me and said, pointing over to Josie “Is that your daughter?” When I confirmed yes, she told me how much I she loved Josie’s style. She said she walked in the store and the first thing she saw was this young lady, dressed so stylish and respectful. She said “I went ‘Ooh that’s so cute! I should put my outfits together like that! I like that!’” She said what she loved most is that Josie was dressed modestly. And that too many young ladies these days show too much skin, at much too young an age. Then she praised me for dressing modestly myself to be the example for my daughter. At this point Josie saw me talking to this woman. She later told me her thoughts:

“Man, mom knows everybody! Can’t go anywhere without her like ‘Hi Janet! Hey Beatrice!’ I better go get her so we’re not here for 3 hours…”. Ha ha ha!

But to her surprise, the woman turned to her and repeated the compliments she shared with me. Josie was smiling and kept saying “Oh thank you!” 

We also complimented the woman on her beautiful natural hair. She had a perfectly kept chin length Afro with a cute side part. She looked so classy and I told her so. Then we discussed hair for a minute, before we parted ways wishing the other a blessed day. 

We walked away and Josie was beaming! She said “Mom, I feel SO good right now!” Her smile was so big. Her cheeks so rosie. And her face just glowing. She was walking tall the rest of the day and kept bringing up how good that made her feel.

When we got into the car, I took the opportunity to remind her of two things:

1) Josie, always own who you are. Remember your worth as a daughter of God is not tied to your fashion or anything like that. But because you decided to dress how you wanted and not like the other kids your age, you feel comfortable; you can feel like yourself. That gives you confidence. And others see it! That’s why that lady stopped us. Not just for your great style: She noticed your confidence and your light. 

2) the way you felt today is why I am quick to compliment others. It may embarrass you kids when I smile at a stranger or compliment a lady’s dress. But i love adding a little kindness to someone’s day. Everyone deserves to feel good, to be seen, and have a kind word shared with them. 

We love you Josie Lee! You are kind, smart, talented, beautiful and yes, very fashionable too!