Let Light Shine & #SpreadTheKindness Link Up #100

December 4, 2018 / 74 Comments
This is not a sponsored post.

I cannot believe that my #SpreadTheKindness Link Up as reached 100 weeks of sharing light and spreading kindness. So many wonderful posts that have been linked here. In the two years of its existence, nearly 8,000 posts have joined these link parties. Eight thousand creative, inspiring, brilliantly drafted blog posts on all sorts of fun and interesting topics. To all who have joined, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Tee Shirt: The Leopard Bear

This link up began in response to a horrible backlash I received over two years ago when I shared My Response to the Presidential Election. I don’t do politics. I don’t discuss them. I don’t usually post about them. I keep my thoughts primarily to myself. But this one time I felt compelled to write. So write I did. And I was met with some terribly awful comments from people whom I don’t know and most likely never will. I drafted a response to these comments in a post called A Ray of Sunshine in a Hate-Filled World. And a week later, completely inspired by that post, my #SpreadTheKindness Movement (and Link Up) was born.

Velvet Pants: Old Navy (Old)

In the past two years, I have featured over 30 small businesses, a dozen bloggers, and multiple fundraisers on my #SpreadTheKindness Link Up. These weekly posts are some of my favorite ones to write as I love sharing amazing stories of real people with you. And now for this 100th link up, I want to share a very special story. A story about three bloggers and a small business owner doing their part in spreading kindness and shining light into this often very dim world.

Boots: Shoe Dazzle

On Friday, October 5, 2018, I was making my morning blogging rounds visiting my favorite link ups while drinking my coffee in the wee dark hours before my children were awake. I hopped over to Momfessionals for Andrea’s Friday Favorites Link Party and began reading her post, The Incredible Holt. Also, Erika of A Little Bit of Everything shared a post on the same day, Friday Favorites: The Incredible Holt Edition, and Narci of Grace and Love Blog shared her post, Friday Favorites: The Incredible Holt. I encourage you to go and read these posts if you missed them back in October. For Andrea, Erika, and Narci have shared young Holt’s story in a more passionate and moving way than I ever could.

To give you a brief background, three year old Holt was diagnosed with a rare form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma called Anaplastic Large T-Cell lymphoma on September 21st after multiple biopsies and more tests than any three year old should endure over the course of 6 months.

The Incredible Holt

As one can imagine, stress, both emotionally and financially, can take its toll on a family when dealing with childhood illness such as cancer. My heart aches for Holt and his family. And certainly, there are more families than we can even count who deal with things like this all the time, every day families are delivered news that crushes them and immediately immerses them into a world they never even imagined. And if not for loving friends and caring communities, these families would be fighting alone. But they don’t have to fight alone…because bloggers like Andrea, Erika, and Narci have teamed up with small business owner, Jenna, who is the creative designer behind The Leopard Bear to help in any way they can. Jenna designs graphic tee shirts as a form of self expression and her designs are fun, inspiring, motivational, and full of light and love.

Holt’s Family

Jenna is a dear friend of Alden (Holt’s mother) and when I saw this tee shirt, appropriately named “The Alden”, the scripture really spoke to me. “Let Light Shine.” Yes, indeed. And when I read that 100% of the proceeds from the purchase of this tee shirt were being donated to Holt’s family, I immediately clicked over and purchased one. Jenna was so overwhelmed by the amount of orders she received for this shirt that she had to create another design and reprint the tee shirts which quickly sold out a second time around. This is why my tee shirt is completely different from the image featured on The Leopard Bear website. Unfortunately, you can no longer purchase “The Alden” but there are many more inspiring designs available.

And just in time for the holidays, Jenna has a created a brand new long sleeve tee shirt to honor Holt in his fight against cancer. Again, 100% of the proceeds from the purchase of an Incredible Holt tee shirt will be donated to the family to help with medical expenses. Also, if you purchase any other tee shirt from The Leopard Bear, 10% of the proceeds are also being sent to Holt’s family.

If you feel moved by Holt’s story and want to support Jenna’s fundraising mission, please check out all of her products and see if there is any tee shirt that strikes your fancy. An inspiring graphic tee always makes a great holiday gift as well. And knowing that your gift purchase is giving back to a very special little boy makes it even more meaningful, doesn’t it?

I want to thank Jenna, Andrea, Erika, and Narci for sharing Holt’s story and for spreading kindness in the best way possible. Before linking up below, remember to hug your loved ones, especially your children. And make sure they are always surrounded by love and kindness.

My 7 year old son, Archie.

And now your favorite posts from last week’s link up.

Kellyann of This Blonde’s Shopping Bag shared her post, Cozy Sweater and TBB Link Up. If you are looking for some fun sweater ideas, Kellyann has featured amazing outfits in this post. Go check them out!

Kellyann of This Blonde’s Shopping Bag

Elsie of Polished Whimsy shared her post, Stripes and Floral Outfit. Always a master of print mixing, I just cannot get enough of Elsie’s fun styling ideas!

Elsie of Polished Whimsy


Letting light shine on the edge,

Shelbee

Linking up with these Fabulous Link Ups.

I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.

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74 Comments

  • Cathy

    December 4, 2018 at 9:37 am Reply

    Shelbee – I had no idea what prompted you to start the Spread the Kindness link up and the correlation of all the posts. You have a beautiful heart. You have inspired me to think of ways to spread the kindness on my blog.

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      December 4, 2018 at 11:31 am Reply

      Cathy, thank you so much! It has been so long since it all began that I nearly forgot myself, but it is important to find ways to make light come from darkness. What matters most in situations like these in how we react and respond and what good we can make come out of it. You already spread light and kindness on your blog, but more ways are always welcomed! Have a fantastic day, my friend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Deborah Stinedurf

    December 4, 2018 at 10:59 am Reply

    As you know, I’m not one to shy away from controversial topics. Right now politics is about so much more than politics and the occasion sometimes rises when I cannot keep my thoughts to myself. The nastiest comments I’ve ever gotten are always on those posts…which sadly reinforces my opinions. As you also know, I don’t respond with anger, but I do respond…typically in a post to address the snark and I always email the commenters. But never ever do I personally attack them. Not surprisingly, not once have a received an email in response. Like you, if a commenter responds respectfully, even if they disagree, I still publish it…but never the ugliness. I’ve written in the past about the good things that have actually come from the current political climate and now I can add your Spread The Kindness movement to the list. Love you my beautiful friend…continue to be the light. xo
    Debbie
    http://www.fashionfairydust.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      December 4, 2018 at 11:28 am Reply

      Debbie, thank you so much for this comment! And I know that you absolutely don’t agree with my much of my political stance yet you are one who is always respectful in your disagreement and it has no effect on our mutual respect and blogging friendship…except maybe to strengthen the bond because we are two passionate women who speak up when we need to with conviction and without apology. This is one of my very favorite things about you and your blog. Of course, I fall in love with every outfit you share as well! But we are so much more than the outfits we share, aren’t we? Keep being fabulous and brilliant, my friend, and never let the ways of this world dim your light either. Love you right back!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Kellyann Rohr

    December 4, 2018 at 11:29 am Reply

    Oh wow, what a story Shelbee. I cannot imagine watching my 3 year old go through so much. God bless that sweet family and thank you for sharing their story. All these little acts of kindness make a big difference. I’m gonna head on over to that site now and see what I can find!
    Thanks for the shout out as well sweet friend! You are always a bright ray of sunshine in my book!
    xo,
    Kellyann

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      December 4, 2018 at 11:34 am Reply

      Kellyann, thank you so much! Jenna has a bunch of really cute tee shirts, I am sure you will find something you love! If you do, please let me know which one you chose! I think I may add some more to my tee shirt collection.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Mitch

    December 4, 2018 at 12:50 pm Reply

    Thanks for sharing. I was immediately attracted to your positive energy the first time I saw your posts, and am thrilled to see you continue this journey of spreading light and kindness!
    Mitch

  • Suzy Turner

    December 4, 2018 at 1:00 pm Reply

    WOW Shelbee! 100 Spread the Kindness posts – that’s amazing! Congratulations, my friend. And what a wonderful little boy (and family) to feature. I also love that you posted pics of you next to your Christmas tree to make it even more festive!
    Bug hugs
    Suzy xxx

  • Chrissy

    December 4, 2018 at 1:58 pm Reply

    What a blessing when we can look back at how all our small steps led to a long, incredible journey. I feel blessed to be able to read your weekly spread the kindness linkups and it’s interesting to know what inspired you to start. As for this family and their sweet boy Holt…prayers. I can’t even imagine, so I’ll hop over to the other blogs to get more insight. Thank you for continuing to share kindness inspiration Shelbee from week to week.

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      December 4, 2018 at 2:28 pm Reply

      Chrissy, thank you so much! You know, I will always remember when you said that whenever you hear the word kindness you think of me…that Shelbee on the Edge has become synonymous with spreading kindness. That just makes my heart sing and confirms for me that I am doing what I am supposed to be doing. So thank you from the bottom of my heart for that! Love you, my friend!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Julie | This Main Line Life

    December 4, 2018 at 2:07 pm Reply

    Congrats on your 100th kindness link up. I always laugh at how heated people sometimes get about political issues. I’ve pretty much washed my hands of the whole thing. What a great way to have reacted to that incident though. Good for you.

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      December 4, 2018 at 2:26 pm Reply

      Thank you so much, Julie! My feelings are this…call me names if you will, that’s on you not me. People do get a bit out of hand on a lot of topics. And many of them aren’t even well researched. I also am not well researched on many topics, therefore, I keep my mouth shut. There’s an old saying that goes something like this…I would rather be silent and let them think I’m ignorant than speak loudly and let them know I’m ignorant. Have a fantastic day, my friend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • jodie filogomo

    December 4, 2018 at 2:13 pm Reply

    Now that’s the way to spread kindness. You always highlight the best stories and businesses, and that’s what we all should do. It should be about others and lifting them up.
    You are definitely a light…
    Thanks for the wonderful party and I’ll have to check out those shirts!!
    XOXO
    Jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      December 4, 2018 at 2:22 pm Reply

      Jodie, thank you so much! You know, I just keeps my eyes, my ears, and my heart open and the stories come to me. And then I feel sort of an obligation to share. It is the best way to live the good life! Jenna has some really adorable shirts. I hope you find something you love!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Robin LaMonte

    December 4, 2018 at 5:20 pm Reply

    Shelbee,
    I am so proud of you for reaching 100 weeks of kindness!
    I was surprised to hear the story behind the blog title and you have done a wonderful job of spreading kindness every week.
    My heart goes out to little Holt and his family during his journey with his cancer. I share keep them in my prayers.

    Tis the season of spreading kindness, my sweet friend!
    Merry Christmas!
    Robin

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      December 5, 2018 at 12:26 pm Reply

      Thank you so much, Robin! We create these little spots on the internet and then they grow to where they reach audiences larger than we expected. This is when I realized I had an obligation to use my forum for kindness, light, and love. Putting positive energy into the world in any way we can is so very important! Thank you for doing the same and for sending prayers for little Holt.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Cheryl Shops

    December 4, 2018 at 7:26 pm Reply

    Shelbee, congratulations on your 100th week of spreading the kindness! I loved hearing about the backstory to this series and even went back to read the original post. (Full disclosure: while I have a very different philosophy on voting, I appreciate and respect your point of view, and you should absolutely feel free to express it.) No matter what everyone’s differences are, political or otherwise, I think we have more in common than we tend to realize, and the ability to spread the kindness is one of them!
    Cheryl Shops | http://www.cherylshops.net

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      December 5, 2018 at 12:24 pm Reply

      Cheryl, thank you so much! And this is how civilized people should disagree with one another! Respectfully and intelligently. We all form our opinions based on a variety of experiences and such. There is no point in degrading one another just because we differ in our thought processes. I know that am in the minority on my opinions here, but that’s okay. I stick to my convictions without apology and I am so grateful for understanding friends!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      December 5, 2018 at 12:19 pm Reply

      Rama, thank you so much for reading and commenting. It is so important for all of us bloggers to utilize our forums for goodness and kindness, isn’t it? I appreciate what you do and all of your support for what I do!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      December 5, 2018 at 12:18 pm Reply

      Wow, Maria, thank you so much for this comment and for validating what I do. I am just trying to do my small part in keeping love and kindness abundant in this world. And many of you do the same! Together we can make a difference.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Tianna

    December 4, 2018 at 10:48 pm Reply

    Congrats on this amazing milestone and thank you for sharing the moving story about Holt; what a cool thing that the shirts give 100% of the proceeds to helping this brave brave boy!

  • Ada

    December 4, 2018 at 11:22 pm Reply

    Happy 100 Tuesdays of Linkups! How fun that both you and Emma of Style Splash started your linkups exactly 100 weeks ago. Thank you so much for running not one but two wonderful weekly linkups and for spreading kindness like confetti not just on Tuesdays but with every post you do, Shelbee! You are a true gem in this huge and crazy-good blogging community and I consider you one of my blogging besties for sure. Plus, you love to write, like I do.

    Thank you for being extra kind today and sharing little Holt’s story. I pray to God he survives his disease!

    Let Light Shine through all the good people in this life, especially into all children’s lives! Let Light Shine your linkup and shine through at least 100 more of them!

    XOXO <3 Ada.

  • Elsie

    December 5, 2018 at 12:30 am Reply

    Great post today Shelbee! Working in health care I can attest that moral support from friends and family (and even strangers) is so important when one is hit with a devastating diagnosis. This cause is admirable!

    It’s so wonderful how we can come together as a community to help raise people up. We’re so much more than fashion!

    And thank you so much for the feature!

    Elsie | http://www.polishedwhimsy.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      December 5, 2018 at 12:11 pm Reply

      Elsie, thank you so much for sharing your insight as a healthcare professional. I agree completely that we are so much more than the clothes we wear and it is so important to utilize these forums for goodness and kindness! It was my pleasure to feature you and your fabulous style and your bright shining light!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Sheela Goh

    December 5, 2018 at 1:42 am Reply

    I remember that post!! Everything was in such an uproar then (not that it’s changed a lot since two years ago), much was in limbo. I remember completely disagreeing with your thoughts on Trump but agreeing to disagree since basic courtesy and respect for one another as human beings are the pillars upon which we are supposed to have evolved into a society 🙂 I also remember being angry with myself for not being brave enough to put my thoughts onto a post, as you did. Most importantly, I remember that it was the reaction to your post which sparked the birth of this link-up, and it prompted me to think, “Damn Shelbee, what perfect timing.” The world (still) sorely needs a gracious hand, a compassionate word, a loving hug. Despite us not being on the same side of the fence where Mr President is concerned, I feel that we are one, same voice in wanting to embrace and spread kindness, however and wherever we can xoxo

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      December 5, 2018 at 12:07 pm Reply

      And this, my dear friend Sheela, is one of the many reasons that I love you so much! However, I don’t think that we are necessarily not on the same side of the fence with regard to Mr. President…maybe just not on the same side with regard to voting. I don’t want you to misunderstand my stance, I find the man to be quite an ass. But then again, I find most politicians fall into that same category, even the ones who present themselves in a better light. I think they all still have motives that are not completely in line with what they outwardly represent…and this is where my feelings about voting come into play. I don’t like any of them as politicians. I can’t form an opinion on any of them as people since I know none of them personally. So I will refrain from speaking on that topic! But I do know you personally and I know that you speak your mind when moved to and stick to your convictions as you should even when they are not the same as your friends…which is why we are friends! I am rambling now…but let me end with this…I adore you and respect all of your thoughts, opinions, and ideas regardless of my own!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Brooke of Passport Couture

    December 5, 2018 at 3:19 am Reply

    I admire the story behind your t-shirt. It’s fun to see colorful and stylish outfits, but I always appreciate it when fashion bloggers have more attached to their looks. Thanks for inspiring me on this holiday season and best wishes to the Holt family.

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      December 5, 2018 at 11:51 am Reply

      Thank you so much, Brooke! It cannot always be about the clothes, there are so many more important things to address in blogland than just the clothes. When we have a platform like this, I feel like we have an obligation to do good things with it.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Laura

    December 5, 2018 at 5:43 pm Reply

    Thank you for sharing all of this! You clearly have a heart of gold and I love how supportive you are of others’ passions and needs! You are a rare person!

  • Maureen

    December 5, 2018 at 11:34 pm Reply

    First of all, congratulations on your 100 week of your link up. I am so glad to be a part of it. Secondly, I have heard of little Holt. I saw him first on Instagram and his story no matter how many times I read it is very heart breaking. Lastly, I love this graphic shirt and thank you for always being so kind and spreading kindness wherever you go. We definitely need more of it.

    Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com

  • Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom

    December 6, 2018 at 4:09 am Reply

    Just love this top and its meaningful message! I’ve been wanting to get some religious tops, just for when I volunteer at school (my kiddos go to a Lutheran school) or even to wear for everyday. Love how you even matched your boots to the color! 🙂

    Carrie
    curlycraftymom.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      December 6, 2018 at 11:06 am Reply

      Thanks so much, Carrie! Jenna has a few different tees with scripture available on her website. You should check them out. I am not one to wear religious anything, but this one really just spoke to me. I hope you have a fantastic day!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

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