Your kindness is the rainbow that shines brightest in someone’s darkest cloud.
-Wilson Alvarez
“Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.” – Maya Angelou
As you go through your day, take a moment to notice the people around you. We interact with so many people daily—strangers, friends, family members, co-workers, acquaintances, and even those we may consider our “enemies.” The interactions we have with others can brighten their day or add to their burdens.
Often, we may think we have no enemies if we strive to live a kind and moral life. But sometimes, people hold negative feelings toward us without our knowledge. They may be jealous, resentful, or going through personal struggles that have nothing to do with us. While we can’t control how others feel, we can choose to be a source of light and kindness in their lives, even if they don’t return it.
There’s a story about two co-workers who shared a cubicle. One was a calm, positive person who approached her work with patience, while the other often showed anger and frustration, even directing negativity toward her cheerful colleague. She resented her co-worker’s ease and happiness, unable to share that joy herself.
One day, the negative woman came into work looking anxious and upset. She was scheduled to leave early for a hospital visit to undergo heart surgery and feared she might not survive. Noticing her quiet demeanor, the positive woman reached out, asking if she was okay. The negative woman opened up, sharing her fear of dying and leaving her four children behind. In response, the positive woman shared her own story of surviving a near-fatal accident years before and how the experience had filled her with hope and gratitude for each day.
After a meaningful conversation, the two women worked side by side until it was time for the negative woman to leave for her surgery. Before leaving, she tapped her co-worker on the shoulder, hugged her, and expressed that after their conversation, she felt more at peace and determined to see her children again. In that moment, the positive woman became a “rainbow in her cloud,” offering comfort and hope in her darkest hour.
Romans 12:10 encourages us, “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” By showing compassion, we can help others face their own struggles with renewed strength. Proverbs 12:25 also reminds us, “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.” Just as in this story, a kind word or gesture can uplift someone more than we know.
Being a rainbow in someone else’s cloud doesn’t require grand gestures. Often, it’s about small acts of kindness—listening when someone needs to talk, offering a word of encouragement, or simply showing compassion. Even a smile can brighten someone’s day, reminding them that there is still good in the world.
The next time you encounter someone who seems down, anxious, or even hostile, consider how you can bring a bit of light into their life. Sometimes, the people who seem the hardest to reach need kindness the most. Matthew 5:16 says, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Through acts of kindness, we reflect God’s love and can bring hope to those who are struggling.
How can you be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud today?
Your kindness has the power to bring light to someone else’s darkness. Small acts of compassion can make a big difference in another person’s life.
Look for someone who may need a bit of kindness today. Whether it’s a friend, a stranger, or even someone difficult to get along with, be the rainbow in their cloud.
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