At a time when headlines of greed, corruption and identity theft have eroded trust, along comes a Manhattan advertising executive who hands over her credit card to an unemployed homeless man. Jaded spirits might think Merrie Harris, 45, to be a wee bit crazy trusting an absolute stranger, Jay Valentine,35, with her card. No doubt, it was a daring act of generosity, unwavering trust and a fine display of honesty and the noble actions of both giver and receiver.

When Valentine asked Harris for change and told her he wasn’t working, Harris said she only had a credit card. She asked, “Can I trust you?” Valentine replied, “I’m honest, yes.”

With that he bought items totaling about  $25 and returned a short time later with the card. Harris  hugged Valentine. She trusted him and expected its safe return.

Thank you Ms. Harris and Mr. Valentine (interesting connection to love) for demonstrating trust and honesty at a time when corruption, greed and mistrust are rampant. As Ms Harris said during her interview in today’s New York Post, “Are we only supposed to trust people we know? What would Bernie Madoff’s friends be saying?” What an example that shines brightly over the shadows of mistrust and dishonesty!

Valentine demonstrated his integrity with flying colors–life’s unending series of unexpected tests and big temptations. People witness how e handle life’s ever-present “pop quizzes.” With integrity and trust high on employers’ list these days, Valentine may have just landed himself a few job offers.

I’m always inspired by the stories of kindness, trust, generosity, and outpouring of the best within that brightens up the days for others. They create an unknown ripple effect through countless minds and hearts that will likely inspire champion choices and a gigantic wave of extraordinary human behavior.Wherever they appear, they make a decided difference and change attitudes and outcomes.

As co-author of Get Along with Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere—8 Keys to Creating Enduring Connections with Customers, Co-Workers . . . Even Kids! (see Products). I bring that expertise into organizations for inspiring winning choices at work and a climate of trust and respect that cultivates the brightest and best to be expressed.