With February being the season of love, Good News Wants to Know… What’s one gesture or small act of love that made you feel truly appreciated?

Understanding your spouse’s Love Language is paramount. My love language is “Words of Affirmation.” My wife Liz’s is “Acts of Service.” I get excited when she sends me an occasional quote or proverb reminding me how blessed we are after 30 years together and how much she loves me.  She gets romantic when I blow the leaves off the driveway, empty the garbage, gas up her car or clean the garage. Whatever it takes!

Gregg Wallick, Wallick Family Office

Last year the Good News asked what we thought our kids would most remember about us. So, I reached out to each one. Their responses made me feel truly appreciated. I still carry them inside the cover of my Bible.

William “Bill” C. Davell, Director, Tripp Scott

Our oldest spent a lot of time in the NICU. I remember heading to see her after work. Pulled out of our neighborhood onto US1; everything on my mind but driving. I cut this guy off worse than I’ve ever cut anyone off in my life. I was bracing for 240db of horn. Instead, this guy in a white Acura slid past me without a glance. It’s like he knew. Swore to myself I’d extend grace to every single bad driver that crossed my path from that day forward. That promise has been broken. A lot.

Bob Denison, President, Denison Yachting

I was recently back from Tallahassee on a date with my wife and a gentleman came over to say hello. He explained that he was a longtime employee at Broward County and thanked me for my service and thoughtful votes while I served as a Broward County Commissioner. It was nice to hear positive thoughts as opposed to the opposite that seems to be all too common in today’s social media world.

Chip LaMarca, State Representative, Florida House District 100

It’s amazing how much a handwritten note or encouraging text can mean. Those things really encourage me, and they seem to always come at just the right time! God is good! 

Chris Lane, President, First Priority South Florida

A beautiful, simple thing that made me feel deeply appreciated occurred on my birthday when about 30 young people I’d been discipling for the past few years threw a surprise party for me. After worship around the campfire, one after the next expressed the impact I’d made in their lives. It was one of the best days of my life. I didn’t have to die to have others appreciate me!

Deborah Cusick, FAU Campus Volunteer, Intervarsity Christian Fellowship

One gesture or small act of love that made me feel truly appreciated is when my wife gently held my hand on the beach after I officiated the funeral for one of her best friends. I finished my remarks, as the family released the ashes into the water, my wife slipped her hand into mine as she wiped a tear from her eyes. Then we walked into a reception filled with people we didn’t know, and she continued to hold on.

Dennis DeMarois, Executive Director/CEO, Gathering Palm Beach County

Some past employees later took their time to call or write me thank-you notes and posts about how I had encouraged them, helped them grow skills, or allowed them to express themselves in the workplace without fear of retribution. Those kind acts of appreciation moved me deeply.

Dolores King-St. George, President, King Communications and GraceNet Radio

In this day and age of emails and text messages, what I appreciate very much is an unexpected handwritten note from customers, teammates, or strangers.  

Don Campion, President, Banyan Air Service, and Team Lead, Egbe Medical Mission

I received an anonymous note last year that simply said, “You are more loved than you will ever know.” These 9 words met a need in my soul that I didn’t even know was there.

Doug Sauder, Lead Pastor, Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale

As people become aware that I have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, one by one they have come up, giving me great respect, and are praying for my treatment and recovery. It’s a heartwarming feeling that I get several times a day!

Dr. Fred Scarbrough, Founder, Scarbrough Animal Hospital and HOPE South Florida

My beyond love gesture is when my husband walks in the door and says, “Oh, it smells so good in here!!” My daughter echoes him, and they thank me for cooking dinner. It’s the little things.

Helen Wayner P.A., Century 21 Hansen Realty

I remember being asked to speak to the Fort Lauderdale Rotary a few years ago, and when I was done, they presented me with a photo of a little girl in a wheelchair. As a sign of appreciation, they made a donation to the Wheelchair Foundation, which is committed to providing mobility to children worldwide. I have that photo on my desk today, and it reminds me to think of others and find simple and caring ways to show kindness. 

Jennifer O’Flannery Anderson, Ph.D., President/CEO, Community Foundation of Broward

Once, while at a men’s group, I received a text from my wife saying our washer had completely quit. I shared the need, and before I got home, I received another text saying they had pooled together to buy a new one. 

Jesse Carroccio, Community Impact Director, Moody Global Media

Years ago we suffered a heartbreaking miscarriage. A friend I met through the Good News community showed up with a Publix turkey sub on multi-grain and sat with me on the porch overlooking the water where I was staying at the time. No words, we just sat together. I’ll never forget how comforting that small gesture was.

Karen Granger, Vice President, 4KIDS Palm Beach

I once made an error at work that could have had significant consequences. When I met with my command staff to explain my actions, the Commander listened, then told me the matter would go no further and was considered settled. In that moment, I experienced grace as leadership chose restoration over punishment. Sometimes the greatest act is not what is said or done publicly, but the quiet gift of grace that allows someone to move forward with dignity. “Mercy triumphs over judgment” (James 2:13).

Ken Kerrigan, Pastor, Calvary Chapel Pompano Beach

I think for the most part, when people open doors or when they thank you for what you’ve done and not take it for granted. Or when they come alongside you and help in any way, not looking for anything in return.

Larry Lacy, Pastor, The Answer Church

My husband brings me a hot cup of strong coffee during my early morning devotions, a simple but meaningful act that makes me feel loved and supported. 

Laura C. Bishop, Executive Vice President of Development, Palm Beach Atlantic University

I feel most appreciated through prayer and thoughtfulness. When people let me know they are praying for me, it means a great deal. And on a personal level, my husband often surprises me with small, thoughtful things that show he’s paying attention. Those gestures make me feel truly seen and loved.

Dr. Mary Drabik, President, South Florida Bible College & Theological Seminary

Once a week for the past two years I have volunteered at the Project Salvage Food Pantry. We serve a very diverse population and have many regulars. One group of 7-8 Haitian ladies arrives in a pickup truck each week and, as I registered them recently, repeating their names, one lady replied to me, “Yes Papi.” I turned to her with a grin and said “Papi? So now I’m Papi?” And she didn’t miss a beat replying, “You’re my Papi.” A humorous exchange but definitely a feel good moment!

Mike McDermott, Seniors and Probate Specialist, The Keyes Company

My husband used to travel for business and was rarely at home. Because of this, all the family responsibilities would fall on me, so when my middle-school son took it upon himself to clean the entire kitchen without me asking, it was an act of love that truly blessed me.

Oksana Horton, Creative Director, Torch and Trumpet Theatre Company

Students often tell me that they appreciate my assistance in completing their goals. One in particular stands out, one who I was able to assist with strengthening their English skills and came from a background that started in another country in an orphanage. This student is now a Christian Counselor and has completed two master level degrees. The true blessing comes when we are able to honor God by being devoted to HIs mission.

Patricia Colangelo, South Florida Bible College & Theological Seminary

An extremely loving gesture was this week, when I came home from work, my beautiful wife Faye, greeted me at the door (as she always does), then when I walked into our living room, she hit play on the remote, as the music was queued up to our “favorite song,” and right then we slow danced arm-in-arm, with tears running down both of our faces, thanking God for His incredible goodness in our lives!! Thank you, Jesus, for my amazing wife….and thank you, Jesus, for our amazing life!!!

Coach Rick Andreassen, Founder/President, SAINTS International Sports Ministry and SAINTS Homeschool P.E.

As a golfer, there are always a few words that get you going. When you are playing in a scramble where everyone hits the shot and you use the best one, there are two words that are music to your ears… “Nice shot.” Those are encouraging words!

Romney C. Rogers, Managing Partner, Rogers, Morris & Ziegler, LLP

Sticky notes! I have a collection of notes with kind words from my wife and two in my car, written by my young son, that simply say, “I love you, dad.” 

Dr. Scott Manor, President and Professor of Historical Theology, Knox Theological Seminary

One gesture or small act of love that made me feel appreciated happened this past October during Pastor Appreciation Month, which is the same month as my birthday. Our Women’s Ministry, which is one of our most fruitful ministries at our church, came together and gave me a box full of cards and gifts to show their appreciation. It meant so much to see all of these women come together to say thank you. 1 John 4:8 says that God is love, so we should look for every opportunity, not just in February, to show love to one another. 

Steve Daigle, Campus Pastor, Calvary Chapel Parkland

This is easy. Whenever my wife, Jeanne, and I go anywhere or do anything together — like walking, shopping or talking across from each other in a restaurant — I could go on … she always takes my hand and holds it, and I can feel the warmth, love and appreciation go right through me. That’s how I know I am truly appreciated!

Steve Solomon, Area Director, CBMC South Florida

While sharing the gospel with a group of six – nine-year-olds at Vacation Bible School, I finished my lesson and began to pack up. Suddenly, a little girl ran up and wrapped me in the biggest hug. She handed me a small, handmade note that read: “I loved your message. Thank you. I hope I see you again!!” It was simple, sincere, and full of heart. I tacked it to my bulletin board, where it still hangs. It is reminder of the beauty of childlike faith and how one act of kindness still makes me smile. 

Tewannah Aman, Executive Director, Broward County Right to Life

Many, many years ago, I asked my boss what I could do to improve myself in my sales position. I still hold on to his answer: “People love you, Tom. Stay grounded in Christ and keep doing what you are doing.”

Thomas L. Lukasik, Chief Advocacy Officer – CAO, 4KIDS

For more Good News, read the GOOD NEWS February 2026 Issue at: https://digital.goodnewsfl.org/2026/february/#1