Holy Mischief: Creating a Kindness Movement

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when a computer programmer receives a divine calling to ministry? For Reverend Dr. Shannon Karafanda, it launched a transformative journey culminating in a global kindness movement that's changing lives one small act at a time.Shannon's path took an unexpected turn when she joined forces with her friend Alan Todd to plant a church centered on what they called "A-OK Projects"—Acts of Kindness performed with no strings attached. Whether handing out water on scorching days, planting flowers for neighbors, or surprising strangers with free gas, these gestures weren't about growing church membership but simply spreading love. Most fascinating were the reactions—many people actually refused kindness out of suspicion, revealing how starved our world has become for genuine goodness.When tragedy struck and Alan suddenly passed away, Shannon carried their vision forward, eventually transforming it into the "Holy Mischief" movement. The name perfectly captures what these acts accomplish—creating positive disruptions in our negative status quo. What began as a small Lenten project among six churches in 2020 faced the immediate challenge of COVID-19. Yet rather than faltering, the movement flourished as people craved connection during isolation, growing from 150 members to thousands across multiple continents.Shannon's insights on kindness as a "superpower" offer a revolutionary perspective. The power lies not in the act itself but in the connections created—benefiting not just giver and receiver but even those who witness or later hear about the kindness. In an era the Surgeon General has identified as suffering from an "epidemic of loneliness" more harmful than smoking, these simple acts create essential human bonds that ripple outward in unexpected ways.Ready to cause some holy mischief in your community? Visit the Holy Mischief Facebook group or website for inspiration and join a growing movement proving that small acts of unexpected goodness can transform our world one smile, one connection, one moment at a time.This podcast is a proud member of the Mayday Media Network. If you have an idea for a podcast and need some production assistance or have a podcast and are looking for a supportive network to join, check out maydaymedianetwork.com. Like what you hear on the podcast? Follow our social media for more uplifting, inspirational and feel-good content.FacebookInstagramLinkedInTikTok Support the show