Monday

I had a really good blog written out, but then it got to this point where the next paragraph was either going to be super blunt, or super whiny. So away went the whole thing and now you get this:

When people are in need, and there is nothing you can do to truly help, the best thing you can do for them is pray. Whether or not they believe in the same God you do, or at all, sending "good vibes" doesn't mean anything, because generally, people don't even keep the person in their thoughts. Prayer is intentional. It is committing to sit down and think about and pray for this person in their trying time. Being intentional is a great sign of love for other people. And loving other people is one of our commandments as Christians.

God has brought me down a road I never in a million years saw coming. But through that, I have been able to bless more people more often- both in my works and my money. And I have learned, as I hope others do too, that God is doing far more behind the scenes than I even realize. I will never know the amount of fighting for me that has gone on, even when I don't feel like He remembers me at all.

I encourage each of you to find some way to help out, to volunteer time or money to a cause. It doesn't have to be a big production. It could simply be a friend who needs birthday or christmas gifts for their kids, someone who needs help with some groceries, a ride to the doctor's office, a cup of coffee and conversation, or even just a hug.

We never know what someone is going through until we reach out and ask. That person who seems so happy might be going through the hardest time of their life. And the hardship could be of their own doing, or someone else's against them, but no matter what- it is a hardship, and as fellow humans, friends, believers- we need to carry those burdens together, with each other and with Christ.