Encouraging Others

Christmas day, 2003, is a day we will never forget. This was the day we lost our 25-year-old son.  There is always a bit of sadness for us each year during the holiday season. I’m aware there are many people in our churches who are facing loss, financial issues, divorce, and loneliness.

Focusing on the needs of others during the holidays has always helped me in my grief. As leaders, we are called to servant leadership, and it is a blessing to serve those who may find themselves in difficult circumstances. Each holiday season, I pray the Lord will connect me with those I may be able to encourage.

Here are a few ways to bring Christmas comfort to the hurting:

• Send Christmas cards with an encouraging note and something personal to bring a smile.
• Choose one or two ladies who may not receive gifts, maybe a widow with no family, or a single mom with children, and buy something just for them.
• Visit a couple of ladies who are shut-ins or in a nursing home.
• Look for teenage girls who may be in a difficult family relationship or have had a tough school year and invite them to lunch.

These are just a few ways God can use you. Join me!  Pray, and ask God to connect you with someone who may need encouragement this Christmas.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. (2 Cor. 1:3-4)

If you, or someone you love, needs to talk, please call 988 to receive help.