Lots of people are having a hard time right now with all that is going on around the world. I know numerous individuals who have suffered from the COVID pandemic. In fact, I can't even count the number of people I know who have died from it. A woman from my church, here in the US, lost her grandfather, mother, and husband to COVID all in a matter of weeks - while she was pregnant!
I don't think I need to tell you all this for you to know that lots of people are having a pretty rotten day. And not just in the US. In Ethiopia the other day, 500 Christians were killed just because they believe in Jesus! Think about the children, wives, mothers, fathers, husbands, and friends of those 500. They must be heartbroken.
You might be wondering, "What can I do?" I know we don't have a direct link to those who are suffering in Ethiopia. We can't reach out to every person who is losing a loved one to COVID. But you can reach out to someone around you that is having a tough time.
A while ago, one of my best friends sent me this verse, "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2; ESV). My friend knew that I had been going through a hard time lately. So, she offered to bear my burdens with me. In other words, she was offering to help me in every challenging situation that came my way.
This brings to mind a scene from the Bible. When Peter saw Jesus walking on water, he decided to take a step of faith and do the same. Once he saw the storm around him, he began to sink, but Jesus offered him a helping hand.
You might know someone who is caught in a storm this very moment and is beginning to drown. This same day, offer them a helping hand and bear their burdens with them.
1. Take Time to Talk
Sometimes, those going through a rough time want to tell someone what they're going through, but don't know quite how to. That's where you come in!
Ask a friend if they're doing okay. If they reply, "No," answer by inquiring if there is anything they want to talk about. By doing this, you are offering to take time to talk about their problems.
If someone has already opened up about their challenging situation, take some time to call them and ask how things are going.
By doing this, your friend might feel comforted that someone cares about them and their problems.
2. Plan Something Special
Other times, those who have had it hard just want a break!
If you know a friend who is going through a tough time, plan something special for them. There are many ways you can do this.
Take your friend to their favorite restaurant. Plan to have a movie marathon of some of their favorite movies. Invite them to a concert or special church event.
There's one other thing you can try. Find out one of your friend's hobbies and do something regarding that hobby. For example, if your buddy enjoys writing, offer to read one of their stories or write one with them.
Doing this, you will be distracting your friend from their present troubles. Who knows? They might even begin to look at life differently. Others become encouraged when you spend time cheering them or embolden them to do more of what they love.
3. Give Something Anonymously
About a month after COVID started, two of my aunts decided to reach out. Anonymously, they were going to go to the houses of people they knew, ring the doorbell, leave a basket, and run away. Of course, they had a wonderful time! One of their favorite moments was when they would secretly watch the faces of the surprised yet happy people.
You can do this too! You don't have to do the same thing my aunts did. Maybe you can send a bouquet of flowers. Balloons. A gift card. Anything you think they would enjoy.
Maybe you could even just send them a card, unsigned, with a verse attached to it.
Doing this would put anyone in good spirits as they will feel that someone out there cares for them!
Many are suffering at this moment. Loss of loved ones and fear of the future is rampant in our society. In a time so confusing as this, we must stand and reach out to the hurting and the sorrowful.
I challenge you to reach out to others but also to follow the example of our Lord and Savior. Throughout the Scriptures, we see Jesus lend a helping hand to those in need. He touched the lepers, healed the sick, and released the demon-possessed.
Reach out to anybody in pain. It can be a neighbor. A friend. Even an enemy! Offer a helping hand to someone today - anyone sinking in life's storms - and pull them from under the boisterous waves.
Comment below to tell me what are several ideas you have for reaching out to others, or tell about a time somebody reached out to you in the midst of a hard time.