What’s the best gift you’ve received?

“Someone’s time. Someone giving their time because society is so busy today with social media, phone, TV and anything else. But if they just sit down and spend some time with you and talk with you, I think that’s great. That’s what I love. I think listening is what our society needs. I think when people communicate, they don’t communicate to listen, they communicate to answer. While we’re talking, they’re thinking of the answer. I want to truly listen. I try to listen and absorb what they say and then try to ask questions back, so they know that I was listening.” – Larry Andrews of Mobile

Larry Andrews believes giving of your time is valuable these days. (Tamika Moore / People of Alabama)

Andrews loves spreading positivity.

“I started this years ago when I had a company with 300 employees. I started putting a positive message on the computer every morning so when they came in and opened the computer, they got something positive. I still do that every day on Facebook. I do it with my business, and I do it in my personal life. I get a lot of comments from strangers on Facebook saying, ‘Hey, I really needed to hear that today. I started following you because I saw the positive.’ I think I do it basically for myself but if it helps others, that’s great.”

These are the faces and stories of people from all walks of life who call Alabama home. People of Alabama is a Red Clay Media and Alabama NewsCenter partnership.