Pay It Forward

What have we done to make the world a better place? Think on that a moment. Is humanity better off because of our existence? This is a big responsibility that few have lived up to. Before we start to complain about this or that, ask yourself what you have done to change things, not only for yourself but for others also.

This concept is truly an eye opening experience. It is one that not only could change your life, but change the whole world as well.

In the 2000 movie "Pay It Forward", Social Studies teacher Eugene Simonet played by Kevin Spacey, gives his class an extra credit assignment. He challenges his class to come up with an idea that could change the world, and put it into action.

Trevor McKinney, a bright but troubled 7th grader played by Haley Joel Osment, comes up with the idea that you have to do 3 acts of kindness to others. They are not allowed to repay this act of kindness to the person who did it for them, but to in turn do 3 acts of kindness to others. Thus, they pay the debt forward to the next 3 people challenging them to continue the movement. The rules of multiplication take over, exponentially soon affecting countless numbers.

The rules of the concept are simple. It must be something that they cannot do for themselves.

The characters in this movie have plenty of flaws and problems, just as this world does. From drunkenness, to child abuse, to molestation, to car accidents, to the homeless, to desertion, and on and on.

Trevor tries this concept himself and discovers it is difficult. His attempts do not seem to change anything at first. He helps a homeless man get back on his feet by giving him food and shelter, but angers his mother played by Helen Hunt. His matchmaking attempt with his mother and his teacher does not go very well. Even once he discovers his own boundaries that he cannot cross when he sees another kid from school getting beat up by bullies. He wants to help, but freezes and cannot.

Just like in life, things do not go our way at first and too often we think we failed. But we do not always realize the impact that those actions have on others and the subsequent actions they take. Parents can certainly relate to this, both positively and negatively.

Trevor later is interviewed by a journalist, played by Jay Mohr. The journalist was impacted by the "Pay it forward" movement. He was given a brand new Jaguar after a car accident, and was dumbfounded by the explanation the stranger gave that he is "paying it forward". He begins to investigate the trail of persons affected by the chain reaction of the movement back to its original source of Trevor.

As Trevor is being interviewed, he expresses hope for the concept, but voices concern that people may be too afraid to change their own lives to make the world a better place.

Well, I won't spoil the rest of the movie for those who haven't seen it. It is not one to miss.

This movie was based on a book by the same title written by Catherine Ryan Hyde. Catherine Ryan Hyde's book has also inspired a foundation by the same name.


However, the concept has been around for ages. The term "pay it forward" was popularized by Robert A. Heinlein in his book "Between Planets" in 1951.
"The banker reached into the folds of his gown, pulled out a single credit note. "But eat first — a full belly steadies the judgment. Do me the honor of accepting this as our welcome to the newcomer."
His pride said no; his stomach said YES! Don took it and said, "Uh, thanks! That's awfully kind of you. I'll pay it back, first chance."
"Instead, pay it forward to some other brother who needs it."
The Heinlein society still carries on the philosophy.

Another hero of mine, Theodore P. Kalogris, lived by a motto that was passed to him from his grandfather. "Be ashamed to die until you have scored a victory for mankind". The Kalogris foundation still carries on this philosophy. www.relivkalogrisfoundation.org/US/EN/home.html

Benjamin Franklin wrote about it in a letter to Benjamin Webb dated April 22, 1784.

"I do not pretend to give such a Sum; I only lend it to you. When you [...] meet with another honest Man in similar Distress, you must pay me by lending this Sum to him; enjoining him to discharge the Debt by a like operation, when he shall be able, and shall meet with another opportunity. I hope it may thus go thro' many hands, before it meets with a Knave that will stop its Progress. This is a trick of mine for doing a deal of good with a little money."

Even before that, Jesus shares the parable of the Good Samaritan found below.

So, are we too afraid to embrace this concept? Can we not find 3 instances that we can positively affect the lives of others and instruct them to pay it forward to 3 others? You can only change lives one at a time, but it must start with changing your own to work.

Together, we can all make a difference. Choose to pay it forward.

Where there's life, there's hope.

As always, the choice is yours.

The Parable of the Good Samaritan
On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?"

"What is written in the Law?" he replied. "How do you read it?"

He answered: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"

"You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and you will live."

But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"

In reply Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.'

"Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?"

The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him."
Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise." Luke 10:25-37 NIV


If you have comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire@hushmail.com