Are You Okay? Do You Know That You Matter?

My younger brother is one of those people who has no problem bringing up his faith with strangers. He will be having one of those brief interactions with someone in a grocery store and somehow manage to bring up why he puts his trust in Jesus. I've tried to emulate his methods and end up working myself into a state of anxiety about it.

I have found one way to spread the gospel - in a very passive way. I bought a large blackboard to hang outside my apartment door. Every few days I will write out a Bible passage for people to see as they pass by. For the first several weeks I wondered if anyone took time to notice, then neighbors started to comment (positively) about it. One day, I stepped out and caught the building's cleaning lady taking a snapshot of the board. She explained that since she didn't have time to write down the messages, she always took a snap. (By the way, I have since learned that some neighbors do take time to write down the chapter and verse to read later!)

So, while I have found a way to share some of the Bible with a limited amount of people, I do want to start being more Christlike in my interactions with more people. I have found one way to do this - even though I get some anxiety about it! 

The idea came to me after I recently attended a family wedding. One of my young relatives seemed to be struggling with thoughts of his life mistakes as he watched the new couple celebrate. To strangers, he looked like any other guest at the event - happy and enjoying the festivities. I felt that he seemed to be a little melancholy, and I know that he has separated from his own wife after just a few years. I've been there: having to watch other couples so happy when your own relationship has faltered.

I didn't get a chance to say anything about all this at the time but, when I got home, I did send this person a message. I simply let him know that I saw his pain and that I could relate. I let him know I'm here if he needs me. He sent me a heart and kiss back. At least he knows now that his pain is recognized.

Not sure where I am going with all this. I guess I just wanted to encourage everyone to be Christlike in their interactions. Not all of us are as bold as my brother, but we can all be loving and kind in other ways.

If you see someone who needs to be checked on, check on them. It doesn't take a lot to let someone feel "seen". Everyone wants to matter. 

Peace

--Free