This past week has been one of great emotion. I watched the devastation across our country just as you did. Hurricanes, horrible fires in Montana, and many other tragedies happened that break our hearts. Then throw in the 9/11 anniversary. My emotions have been on edge. What do we say, what do we do, and how can we make a difference?
On a national level, my heart goes out to the people handling the massive problems that involve millions of people in need. I can’t really grasp the entirety of that overwhelming task. But on a local level, here in Alabama, I have seen people ministering to total strangers who have evacuated to us. Food has been prepared and served with great humility. Communities have formed care groups. Churches have found people who needed a kind face and a hot meal. All those in need have one thing in common: they needed love and hope.
The Bible tells us of faith, hope, and love—the greatest of these being love. Truly that has been displayed in so many ways this week. We have all watched and prayed trying to figure out the first steps in helping people. It seems this week, love and support has reigned supreme in our country. It has been a nice break from the usual noise and should be a part of our daily plan. I know there are millions still in need, and our hearts and prayers will be with them. There are many organizations that are working miracles, and we can support them, too.
In the coming days and years, I am challenging myself to do something nice for one person each day—something that says that I care. Why does it take a national disaster to pull us all together in service? We all rise to any situation, but wouldn’t it be great if we were servants to each other every day? I think it would make a huge difference.
Make a difference in someone’s life today.
Comments 28
I live in the New York Metropolitan area so was impacted by the events of September 11, 2001 and the area was again impacted by Superstorm Sandy on October 29, 2012. Our Storm wasn’t nearly as strong as those most recently but we still have many out of their homes and many homes still being lifted.
There are many reasons that people hurt. If we can be helpful and caring to those about us each day, it might make US more aware.
Thank you, Phyllis, for reminding us to look outside of ourselves.
Anne, I thank you,as I often have to ask a person taller than I to reach something on the top shelf at the grocery store and ech time that person has been so helpful and nice!
Phyllis, your words are ones to live by! I will join you…
Jesus is trying to get people’s attention. We need Him and the salvation He offers.
It shouldn’t take a disaster to do something nice for somebody. We should do something nice every single day for someone. It doesn’t take that much!
You made me cry because your blog was so touching! I am so glad that you are so open about our God. Some people are too hesitant to even mention Him. Thank-you so much. XO
You are so right! The entire message in the Bible is that of love and serving others and so needed in today’s cruel world of hate and hurt.
We can all offer our prayers. God is always listening.As always Father make me a blessing to someone today! Phylis, your words are such a blessing to so many. Thank you!
Ditto many comments – this is a beautiful post. And it makes me think of a sweatshirt my husband Nick had and now I have that has a saying about Random Acts of Kindness. I always take that to mean that if you find there is something kind you can do for someone, do it.
I am slightly on the tall side and am often asked to reach an item off the top shelf at the grocery and it makes me so happy to do so. Those are easy acts of kindness.
Your post makes me think we need to stretch a little more to find more ways to help. There are so many in need right now.
My husband really appreciates people like you because he uses a scooter-cart in the store.
Thank-you to the all people like you!
Thank you for this beautiful message. I always enjoy your posts. You are touching many lives through your words. God bless.
Thank you for this wonderful reminder. It is so refreshing to read something uplifting and encouraging.
Beautifully said Phyllis. Let’s go forward with faith and love with a servant’s heart. Thank you.
Such a good idea to help someone each day. Let’s all follow this example.
Thank you for the article.
Thank you for a lovely post and the encouragement to help someone in need. 🙂
I loved reading this beautiful post. I try to live by this quote . . . . it has been one of my favorites for many, many years and forgot who originated it . . . “you have never lived until you have helped someone who can never repay you”
Beautiful and meaningful comments from everyone. Thank you, Phyllis.
Beautifully said. As others have noted, we can all pray. We can also smile at someone, hold the door for someone, let someone go ahead of us at the store, allow that car to merge in front of us on the highway, or give someone a compliment. These are things we can do in our own small areas, & that might be just what that person needs today. God puts opportunities in our lives every day. We just have to look for them.
Well said! I agree!
Wonderful comments by all. I am always reminded by something Father Tim, from Jan Karon’s Mitford series, says to God in his morning prayers…Father, make me a blessing to someone today!
Visit an elderly person, make a cake and surprise someone with it, take a child by the hand and lead them to safety, pray for our country, write a note to thank the person that did something nice for you, go to a food shelter and help to feed the needy, relieve a caretaker so they can have a day for themselves, support a needy child in a poor foreign country. There are many things we can do daily that will make this world a better place not just when disaster hits.
We can all pray. For those impacted by these tragedies, for our country, for our Caribbean neighbors. We can contribute financially to faith based relief organizations, if we are financially able. We can raise funds, gather needed supplies. Just do something. And prayer does move mountains.
Beautiful thoughts Phyllis and I agree wholeheartedly!
Being willing to serve one another in love is key — thank you for your servant’s heart, Phyllis!
Such a thoughtful and meaningful post, Phyllis. Aside from donating, I’ve had much the same thoughts.
We don’t know what will happen tomorrow, but in our own immediate sphere of influence, it’s so easy to make a difference in so many ways to those we meet today. Thank you for the inspiration!
Why, indeed.
We can be very tender and giving to one another when tragedy strikes.
What a difference we could make in ever widening circles if we each remembered to be civil, kind and loving to each of those with whom we come in contact every day…
Agree totally. It is a shame that it takes a disaster to make people come together.
Great thoughts Phyllis….I am with you!