#RocksCryOut -- Sharing Christ through Kindness Rocks

Megan Murphy didn’t know she was starting a movement when she picked up five rocks, scribbled messages on them with a Sharpie pen, and scattered them on a Cape Cod beach two years ago.

But someone found one of her rocks, and word got back to her. “The rock made my day,” the recipient said. “I was struggling, but the message helped turn things around.” And thus began the Kindness Rocks movement.

Since then, Murphy’s Kindness Rocks Project has gained worldwide attention, with inspirational, hash-tagged rocks popping up in at least seven countries and garnering millions of views on social media. “The project isn’t about rocks per se, it’s about connection,” Murphy said. “People find a rock, and they relate to the message on the rock. Then they connect with the fact that there is a human being on the other end of that rock, and they don’t feel so alone.”

 A kindness rock can be simple, like Murphy’s first rock – just a sharpie and a stone. Or it can be complex – hand-painted, bedazzled, or personalized. Simple or spectacular, no one’s disappointed when they find a kindness rock tucked beside a sidewalk, in a parking lot, or near a street sign.

The rules are easy – keep it, pass it on by leaving it in a new place, or exchange it for one of your own. Be sure to leave it out in the open (don’t hide it) in a public place where it will be easy to spot.

I found my first kindness rock near a mailbox on my morning walk. Pink with a purple paw print, it said, Love Has Four Paws. I took it home and smiled all day long.

Then Murphy’s story got me thinking. Her motivation was to empower others with feel good messages. BE STRONG. YOU’VE GOT THIS! or SHARING A SMILE. What a great idea.

But, as believers, we know words that can not only make people smile, but can change their lives forever. Isaiah 55:10-11 says, “As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”

How much more powerful would it be if, instead of just cute pictures and happy phrases, we painted and scattered rocks decorated with God’s Word? Personalized. Imagine how a person might feel if, on a really bad day, they found a rock that said, You can do all things through Christ. (Phil 4:13)? Or Be strong and courageous, for God is with you. (Joshua 1:9)? or I will never leave you or forsake you. (Heb. 13:5)? 

Here's my first not-very-artistic-but-prayed-over  #ChristianKindnessRocks.
I hid it in the flower bed of a local grocery store, by the entrance so someone
would be more likely to see it.

What if believers all over the country – all over the world – painted Kindness Rocks with Scripture on them and left them for others to find? If God’s Word is true, and it is, then God could use these rocks to encourage, inspire, and draw people closer to himself.

And maybe, as Jesus said, in this age when the world seems determined to silence Christians, it’s time for the rocks to cry out. 

Would you like to join me in spreading God’s Word using painted rocks? I’ve collected a few resources to help you get started. But first, three reminders:

1. When you paint a rock, be sure to put the hashtag #RocksCryOut on the back.

2. If you'd like, post a picture of it on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) using the hashtag.

3. I'd love it if you'd send me a picture of your rock “on location” ( LoriAHatcher (at) gmail.com) with your name (if you’d like) and what city and state you’re from so I can share it in a subsequent post.

We know that the kindest message of all is the message of hope through Jesus Christ. Let’s pass it on!

CLICK HERE for a behind-the-scenes look at the official #RocksCryOut launch and step-by-step instructions for painting your own #RocksCryOut rocks.