Photo by Adam Solomon on Unsplash
5 Ways You Can Show You Care
During this prolonged pandemic, with the emphasis on social distancing, wearing masks and washing hands, there is a temptation for people to withdraw from each other. Maybe fear is a driving factor pushing many to focus and look out for “No.1” — “me, myself, and I.” Maybe it is highlighting self-isolation and interpreting it as self-independence. Whatever the motivation, God created people to have relationships that are caring, meaningful and helpful. In the urgency to distance yourself and be alone, here are five ways you can engage in meaningful relationships and help others.
Pick up the phone and call
Instead of texting, why not give a personal call? Hearing another’s voice is encouraging, comforting and helps communicate that you care on so many levels.
Dr. Nick Morgan states, “Voices are each unique, revealing, and central to your ability to lead change in the world. And yet we underestimate the importance of a voice all the time.” He states, “We’re more accurate and can empathize better if we’re paying attention to a voice.” (see his post at https://publicwords.com/2017/10/24/why-your-voice-is-important/)
When I speak to others on the phone, they are listening and when they speak to me, I’m dialed in and listening to them. I’m not distracted. I can focus and communicate that I care.
Ephesians 5:19-20 states, “19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (NIV)
It is encouraging to know that when I am talking to someone, and share scripture or pray or even sign a song, I am obeying the Lord by encouraging and building others up.
Write and send a note or postcard
I have mentioned in another post how important words are, and that they can change a person’s course of direction in life. (https://teddyofarrell.com/biblical-insights-for-daily-living?p=2) Why not take some very encouraging and meaningful words and write a note to someone you haven’t heard from or spoken to in a while? Why not express what they mean to you or that you are thinking of them? People get tons and tons of emails, but to receive a stamped, post-dated note from someone who has handwritten an expression of kindness speaks volumes of care.
Years ago, people would hand-write love-letters to each other and those who would receive the letters, would intentionally keep them (especially if they loved the one writing the letters)! They would find a shoe box and carefully stash the letters away. I can imagine them opening the shoe box and reading the letters from time to time. Why? Because those written words meant something.
Sending a post-card or a note expresses that you care about the individual whom you are writing to. It can mean all the difference in navigating through social distancing.
For the more technical savvy… why not
Schedule or host a “zoom” or “face-time” call!
I have a friend who took the time to gather his relatives together and called other relatives to schedule a “zoom” call on a holiday. The senior citizens of the family loved it! They could interact and connect and visually see their loved ones who were miles away!
“Zoom,” “Face-time,” “Google Meets,” “Snap-Chat,” “Messenger” are a few of the many apps and programs that are specific video-call/conferencing specific. One can use these with relative ease to connect with others.
My wife and I use this to connect to our granddaughter, who lives many miles away. Video calling is a great tool to stay involved in her life and discover all the new things she is learning.
Take a moment and pray for others
This is a great way to show your care for others, by specifically and meaningfully praying for them. If you have been able to keep in touch with them, you know what they are going through - why not talk to God about their needs and circumstances? God hears our prayers and answers according to His good will.
1 John 5:14 states, “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” (NIV)
If possible, make a personal visit
If you can visit people, why not schedule a visit? You can meet with them at an outside park or restaurant that is open and safe. You can meet them for lunch or dinner. Use your imagination and be creative. Take the time to plan your visit.
If you make the attempt to visit, even if it does not come to fruition, this will speak of your concern and care for others.
The Apostle Paul wrote the Roman believers of his desire to see them and visit with them on his way to Spain.
He stated, “23 But now that there is no more place for me to work in these regions, and since I have been longing for many years to visit you, 24 I plan to do so when I go to Spain. I hope to see you while passing through and to have you assist me on my journey there, after I have enjoyed your company for a while.” (NIV)
He was hoping to be with them and enjoy their company for a while! Maybe this week you can visit someone and just enjoy their company.
What have been some ways you have shown that you care for others? I would love to hear how you have helped others. Contact me and let me know.
Growing Together
Teddy
2 Timothy 1:7