Reader,

I was surprised by the amount of reader reaction to our blog post of January 24th. It’s the most we’ve ever received.

“Joy From An Unlikely Source” was about the death of Herb Kohl, former owner of the NBA Milwaukee Bucks and United States Senator for 24 years. He passed away at the end of 2023 and I shared some of the tributes paid to him.

The stories people told about him personify what I say at the end of each podcast episode, “spread a little relational sunshine with the people you meet this week. Spark some joy for them.”

Herb Kohl certainly did this. And what he did two days before he died is a story in itself.

Do yourself a favor and click here to read the post if you missed it. You’ll be glad you did.

Reactions from readers and listeners

What a great story, John!
~ Larrie Gardner, a listener from Arizona and author of Healthy, Resilient, & Effective in Cross-Cultural Ministry: A Comprehensive Member Care Plan
Today’s YOU WERE MADE FOR THIS was inspiring. It prompted me to think how I could be an ordinary, simple source of joy for someone else. I decided to make my ‘old faithful’ honey-milk balls to take to my ESL class tomorrow morning and write up the recipe on cards to go with them.
A simple recipe adds a little sparkle to learning English, don’t you think? t’s fun to think of meaningful ways to spread joy!

~ Linda Crouch, retired missionary

Up close and personal

Herb used to come into Kohls and help load or unload the trucks once in a while when the department store first started out.
Also, one of my friends from work was in a restaurant with her little son. They started talking and Herb asked her son where would he like to go. He said said “to Disneyland,” so he paid for their entire trip.

~ Jeanne, a listener from North Carolina, and former employee of Kohl’s Department Store

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And finally, If you missed last week’s podcast episode, “Five Things to Watch For in Your Next Conversation,” you can get it when you Click here.

Until next week, I wish you all the joy that you can wish.*

John Certalic

You Were Made for This is the podcast sponsored by Caring for Others, a missionary care ministry.

* The Merchant of Venice, Act III, scene 2