In life, it’s easy to get wrapped up in our own worries and problems and to forget that other people are going through things too. But the reality is that we never truly know what someone else is going through, which is why it’s always important to lead with kindness.
A single mother named Lilia is a great example of that. Her spontaneous act of kindness toward a total stranger wasn’t just inspiring, it also led to an amazing act of paying it forward from The Rock.
A Holiday Stranger
A few weeks before the holidays, Lilia and her friend were out shopping when a man approached them. He started off by complimenting Lilia’s pink pants, but then he kept speaking.
“I have a question,” he said. “I’m sorry to bother you guys. I am just trying to get a little Christmas present for my daughter. I am kind of low on cash.”
Without hesitating, Lilia asked the stranger how much money he needed. He told her seven bucks, and she handed him a $10 bill.
The stranger thanked Lilia and asked her why she was willing to help someone she didn’t even know. “Because I also have children,” she responded.
A Major Surprise
What Lilia didn’t know was that the man she had just helped was social media philanthropist Isaiah Garza. The man has dedicated his life to making other people’s lives better, and he was on a mission to find kindness.
He kept talking to Lilia and her friend and eventually, revealed he had a special friend who wanted to pay Lilia's act of kindness forward. The women were nervous, but eventually, they followed Garza to the parking lot. There, Dwayne Johnson crept out from behind a car and introduced himself to Lilia.
Lilia was surprised, but surprise turned to shock when Johnson told her he was giving her back the $7, with a few more zeroes at the end. He then handed her an envelope with $7,000 inside.
“I just love that you were willing to give somebody — a total stranger — seven dollars,” Johnson said. “Thank you. You represent the beauty of humanity and just doing for people.”
Turning a Single Mom’s Holiday Around
At first Lilia didn’t want to take the money, saying it was too much. Finally, she asked Johnson if she could hug him and thanked him for his generosity. She explained that she’s a newly single mother to three- and five-year-old boys and that things have been hard lately.
“I raise my kids by myself without my husband,” she explained. “I don’t have any words because it’s so unexpected for me. [It’s been] a very hard time for me because I’ve been divorced for four months… thank you very much.”
“No, but thank you for just being an amazing human being,” Johnson added. “I love that, just the willingness to give this guy seven bucks. You didn’t even know him.”
Johnson then gave more hugs to Lilia and posed for photos with her and her friend. Later, he posted the exchange on Instagram and called on others to give back, too.
Opening Your Heart
How many of us would give a total stranger $10 without really questioning why they needed the money? Times are hard, and the cost of living is tough, yet this single mother still helped a random man just because he asked.
It’s an uplifting story because it proves there are many good people out there who are willing to help others, even when things haven’t been great for them. It’s also a reminder that we never really know what others are going through, and that everyone deserves some kindness in their lives.
If Lilia could stop and help someone she didn’t know, so can we the next time the opportunity comes up. If we don’t have any money, sometimes people just need to share their stories. Or receive a friendly smile. Or know that they aren’t alone. The important thing is to lead with empathy and kindness. Because you never know when you, too, may need someone to do the same for you.
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Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.