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Life can be tough. Everything from a bad hair day to the death of a loved one can knock the people you care about flat. So how do you offer hope and help when your friends and family members need encouragement? Here are 8 ideas from TCW readers just like you.
I'M ALL EARSOne of the most loving things I can do for someone going through a tough time is simply to listen. I let her talk for however long it takes, because I know it's part of the healing process. And I offer advice only if the person asks for it.
—Charlene Heeren, Florida
When my niece stays overnight in the hospital with her sick daughter, my sister and I clean their house and do their laundry. When you're in the middle of a difficult time, sometimes the day-to-day chores can be overwhelming. Also, when a friend is struggling financially, I chip in with friends and anonymously send her a store gift card.
—Zina Van Landingham, California
My favorite way to offer encouragement is by sending cards to let the person know I'm praying for her. Whenever appropriate, I include Scriptures that comforted me in tough times.
—Donna Johnson, Louisiana
When a friend needs encouragement, I used to say, "I'll pray for you." And then I'd forget to pray! Now, whether we're communicating on the phone, in person, or through e-mail, I first listen to her, then ask if I can pray for her at that moment. Before praying, I pause and shoot up a quick, silent prayer: Lord, help me to pray according to your will.
—Leslie Rowe, Florida
At work, I try to find ways to compliment coworkers and customers. If I take time to look, God always shows me something special about that person to compliment.
—Jackie Layton, Kentucky
To encourage an out-of-state family member, I send a long-distance phone card so she can call and talk to me whenever she needs to.
—Jennifer Lint, Minnesota
Through a newly formed encouragement ministry, I send family, friends, and acquaintances inspirational gift packages. I include handmade cards, quotations, Scriptures, magazine articles, and/or passages from books I think the recipient would like. I believe it's our duty to encourage others by utilizing our unique gifts, talents, and passions.
—Pansy Crumpler, North Carolina
In tough times, the best things we have are God's promises to us, such as "He will never leave you nor forsake you" (Deuteronomy 31:6), or "Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you" (Psalm 55:22). I offer hope through God's Word, reminding my friend that God will come through.
—Vickie Boyd, South Carolina
Copyright © 2005 by the author or Christianity Today International/Today's Christian Woman magazine.Click for reprint information on Today's Christian Woman.
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