Abraham Lincoln: How Kindness Made a Difference

Do you recall a time when someone was kind to you?You may have felt happy, grateful, or relieved. Kindness, both given and received, can change a life in unexpected ways as Abraham Lincoln discovered.While Lincoln is best known as the sixteenth President of the United States who led the nation through a painful civil war, this story examines his life through the lens of kindness. Deeds performed for and by him are interwoven throughout the narrative.Family and friends share little-known details of his life. They reveal a Lincoln who entertained with stories and jokes, grew into adulthood with a passion for learning, and showed empathy for the underdog throughout his life. His personality, physical strength, curiosity, and drive drew people to him. They witnessed his struggle to rise above the circumstances of his birth and responded with encouragement and kindness.Throughout his life, Lincoln extended kindness to people rich or poor, healthy or handicapped, friend or foe. Whenever possible, he would do for others as others had done for him.Stories rarely told reveal a road of opportunity and obstacles. From a one-room cabin to the White House, Abraham Lincoln's life continues to epitomize the American dream.