One of my favorite things in the whole wide world is spreading kindness. I believe it is something that is so simple and even better, it’s free! I truly believe in the whole”paying it forward” idea.
“…let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.”
1 John 3:18
This past week on my Facebook page, I posted a free session giveaway. This was not meant for me to gain new followers or likes, but more to offer the gift of a lifetime to someone who deserves it. I even ran a sponsored post in order to reach as many people as possible for this *hopefully* annual event. and whoa at the response. Over 4000+ people saw my post, there were 31 public shares (no telling how many private shares), and tons of nominations that ranged from youth pastors, rainbow babies, and single parents.
Seeing the incredible kindness written in those nominations, the wonderful bravery these nominees have in their day-to-day life. I am not gonna lie – it is pretty humbling.
So much selflessness.
“…it is more blessed to give…than receive.”
acts 20:35
I had a few people who were nominated twice. One person who nominated someone was nominated themselves. Full circle of kindness.
With so many incredibly nominations, I did what any sane person could do when selecting the winner of the session. Go to a random generator on the internet to take all of my stress of choosing the wrong family. I wrote down each and every nomination on a piece of paper next to a number. Plugged in the number of nominations and pressed generate and voila. Winner winner chicken dinner.
Without further ado, the pay it forward full portrait session winner is
Allison Hamilton
Reading her story – just wow.
And because it was so very hard to narrow it down to just one, I am offering mini sessions to the following two others randomly selected!
Alyssa Day
and
Crystal Collins
Winners, please email me to set up your session before October 31, 2016!
I want to thank everyone who nominated all the amazing families and friends. I wish I could do everyone – truly! There is just not enough Sami’s and not enough days. But please, consider doing something kind for someone today. No matter how small it may seem, I promise it will be just what someone needs.
“Together we can change the world,
one good deed at a time.”
xx,
Sami
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[…] But first, let me give you a little backstory into how I met these two sweet girls! Back in early September, you may remember that I posted on my Facebook page about a chance to pay forward a free session to someone deserving. I blogged about my winners here! […]