A singing mailman in Chicago brings joy to a grieving grandmother and touched the hearts of millions online.
God places the right people in our path at just the right time. A simple song on a doorstep became the start of something beautiful that no one saw coming.
Lavonte Harvey made it his habit to sing while delivering mail on Chicago’s west side. One of the people who looked forward to his visits was a grandmother who had recently lost her husband of 50 years.
Her granddaughter, Whitney Cumbo, shared the doorbell footage on Instagram with a moving caption: “My grandmother lost her husband of 50 years, and the mailman is her daily dose of life. You are appreciated.”
In the video, Harvey says, “This is for you, Grandma,” before singing ‘Mississippi’ by ‘American Idol’ season 23 winner Jamal Roberts. The clip gathered nearly 14 million views and over 12,000 comments.
But even when Harvey spread joy through songs, he had his own challenges. He opened up about it with his followers. “Depression had a hold on me for a very long time but God reminded me through each of you that no matter what life throws in our direction there is joy to be found in every moment even the smallest ones,” he wrote.
He also shared how it strengthened his faith in God. “In our community showing emotion can feel frowned upon so I’ve learned to carry a lot quietly,” he said. “Lately I’ve been learning how to keep pushing in healthier ways and trusting God to be my strength.”
Harvey told ABC News, “Singing isn’t just music, it’s about ministry. It’s about spreading hope and joy.”
After learning Harvey commuted two and a half hours each way by public transportation, Cumbo started a GoFundMe. Strangers came together and raised enough for him to buy a new car. His commute dropped to just 30 minutes.
Harvey has also started a clothing company to spread more joy.
Cumbo hopes the story keeps inspiring others. “I would love to continue to be a vessel to spread that light as much as I can,” she said. “Give an extra smile, hug or display of kindness because we never know how it can impact someone’s life.”
Harvey’s simple advice says it all: “Be your true, authentic self. Even when no one is watching, be who you are.”
Harvey had his own battles. Depression weighed him down for a long time. But he turned to God and found the strength to keep going. And because he did, his joy became a light to a grieving grandmother who needed it most. That is how our walk with God works.
When we face our problems on our knees, God delivers us. And when He does, our testimony becomes an inspiration to many others who are going through their own struggles.
WATCH: Chicago Mailman Serenades Widow and Millions Are Touched
