Dear friend, did you realize you might have a superpower and not even know it? Simply by opening your mouth and expressing a few thoughts, you might make a super difference in someone’s life today.
Let me be vulnerable and explain. I’ve been going through some tough times lately. No need to delve into details. Suffice it to say that my world has flipped upside down. Changes involving family. Changes involving work. Changes involving where I live, and I plan to move soon to a neighboring state to care for my aging father in his home. Those who study humans and emotions say that every large change in a person’s life becomes a stressor. Multiple changes at once can feel crushing. That’s where I am right now–feeling the heavy weight of many changes and countless decisions, including some fairly sad ones.
Sure, my faith in God is intact. Sure, I pray every day and read my Bible too. Still, it’s easy to bottle up emotions in hard times and not show the world how alone and hurting we feel.
That’s where I was this morning. Then I dropped into a Chick-Fil-a for a breakfast biscuit and coffee. Working behind the counter was a young lady from my church. As it turned out, we had a customer-free moment to exchange a few words. At the end of that brief talk she said quietly, “I want you to know that I’m praying for you.”
I teared up right there. It was a simple statement, but it was from her heart. A reminder that I’m not alone. There are friends who know and care.
Last week a Facebook friend announced his utter shock that a friend had committed suicide. He’d had no clue his friend was despondent. Evidently, neither had others. Yet, some of them wished they had known so they could have expressed some kindness to him and possibly lifted up that sinking soul. But they didn’t know, so they hadn’t said a word. I’m certainly not suicidal, but today’s incident reminded me of the power of even a few sincere words.
We people are such fakers, aren’t we? We don’t like the world to know when we’re hurting. “I’m fine,” we declare when people ask. So we might not know when that friend or acquaintance needs a word of encouragement or appreciation. But perhaps we would do well to practice those kind words even when we’re not sure they’re needed. After all, amidst all the gloom and anger in this world, a kind word is never wasted. And it just might make a super difference!
A great reminder, Rick. As a precious friend, mentor, and former boss, used to say, “Change is always in your favor, when you’re walking with the Lord.”
Praying that the Lord will guide you through each of these changes and stressful situations, and that you will be so aware of His presence and provision.
Thanks, Janet!
Be kind. Always. That is never bad advice. Praying for you, my friend.
Appreciate that, Jen. Blessings to you and your family.
I’m sure God is walking with you. That was great advice you gave in your post. Will pray for you.
Blessings back to you, Karen!
Our words and actions matter. That is why community is so important. What I love even more, is that our conquering King gave us His words to nourish our souls.
John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
Cling to hope. Be patient in affliction. And know that even when He feels so far away, He is right there in the thick of it with you. You are loved, And I am praying for you even this instant.
Thanks, Margaret. The Lord certainly sustains, and the prayers of His people are so encouraging.