Pay it Forward.

This is one of my favorite times of day: Jude is taking a good nap and I am able to read, pray, and basically just spend time with my Heavenly Father. As I'm audibly praying (sometimes the only way I can focus is to pray out loud!), I'm recalling specific prayer requests from family and loved ones, and more and more people come to mind. Finally, I found myself exclaiming,

"Wow. A lot of people are hurting."

I know people that...

• have had miscarriages and are struggling to cope and/or conceive again.
• are dealing with the loss of a loved one, saved or unsaved.
• have loved ones that are dealing with life-threatening conditions.
• are in a constant state of worry due to financial or job instability, relationship issues, or any/all of the above.
• have family members or friends that are making poor decisions involving drugs or alcohol abuse.
• are going through an unwanted divorce.

When I think of the specific people in my life that fall into one or more of those categories, I'm overwhelmed. The worry, pain, rejection, instability, etc. these people must be feeling is unimaginable. I can empathize with a few, but Jude hasn't ever had anything worse than minor tummy issues or a cold! People who've had to and continue to endure much more serious issues involving their children leave me so humbled and speechless. At the same time, their strength in the Lord is so admirable and inspiring. God bless you. I mean that sincerely.

When I hear of people hurting, I want to help! I'm just 'me' though. I know I can't fix every problem or even alleviate every (or any) stressor in someone's life. Sometimes problems seem so big I just don't know what else to do but pray. Now, there's nothing wrong with 'just' praying- prayer is so powerful!!! I have to wonder sometimes, though; could I be doing more?

Sometimes, do we get so wrapped up in our own lives that we miss out on opportunities to help one another or even brighten up someone's day? Guilty! There are days when I am so wrapped up in my own thoughts or issues that I'm ashamed to say that my prayers or actions do not always involve other people. I have a natural tendency to be introverted as well so I don't reach out to others nearly as much as I should. I need to push myself out of this cozy little seat for one.

A personal story: Yesterday was a rough day. I'm a stay at home mom, it's winter and FREEZING cold outside, and my son has some sort of stomach bug that leaves me worrying and in need of my own personal Stanley Steamer attendant. A combination of cabin fever and the fact that my little man thought it was "No Nap Tuesday" or something made me very cross. I got to the point of tears by the end of the afternoon. It was just a struggling mommy day (I know every mommy deals with one on a regular basis). I reached out to my facebook page for some encouragement. I've got to say, I have some wonderful mommy friends. I was honestly surprised at the kind words that people wrote me! It was sort of a little virtual 'hug' and it turned the rest of my day around. The situation didn't change, but my heart was now lifted and I was filled with the love that others had given to me and was then able to 'pay it forward'.

Think about it: how many times has a simple text message turned your day around? Good or bad?

Someone told me a long time ago that when someone pops into your mind randomly, it in fact, is not random at all. It's God putting that person on your mind for whatever reason. When that happens to me, I try to stop and pray for that person or send them an encouraging text. I'm not always consistent, but I try to be.

If you knew that by making a quick phone call, sending a text, praying, or visiting someone that popped in your mind 'randomly', you'd be encouraging them...would you step out of your own 'stuff' or comfort zone to do so?

I don't know about you, but sometimes "I get by with a little help from my friends:)".

There are many verses in the Bible that say to "build one another up" or "encourage one another" but I'm just going to focus on one right now because I love how The Message translation puts it:

Hebrews 10:24-25 (English Standard Version) "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."

Here's why I love The Message's translation:

"Let's see how inventive we can be in

encouraging love and helping out..."

I love that! "how inventive"? Brilliant. It's such a fun way to put it...and isn't the joy you feel by helping others way better than the joy you may get from just helping yourself?

Slight rabbit trail: I love our small group at our church. The man who leads it is constantly reminding us to try to encourage the other members of our group throughout the week. I try and take that challenge to heart.

So now, I pose that challenge to you, reader.

Who can you encourage this week? How can you encourage people that come into your mind?

Maybe pick a number: set it in your mind to encourage at least 2, 5, 10 (or however many) people during your week. It'll be fun:)!!!!

In closing, I just also want to say that I do not mean to downplay the importance of prayer. Prayer is the most important thing we can do for the people that we love.

It isn't up to us to fix anything. Just to love and encourage. No pressure :).

Thank you for reading,
Lauren