As I was praying and thinking what to share in this blog, a thought came to mind. Well it was more like a question. The question was, “How many times do we ask other people how they are, but we’re unprepared for the answer”. We throw that question around loosely because we’ve used it as a way of being courteous and respectful to others when we say hello. Honestly that is a loaded question that’s only 3 words long but still a very impactful one. When we ask someone how they are, it means we really want to know. Maybe I should say hopefully it means we want to know. I truly believe people really need safe people that they can open up to and share. I understand that you might not be able to fix it, but just those moments that you stop and listen it could actually bring them hope. We tend to have this idea that people are too forward when they share like that to a stranger. I want to offer you a different perspective . In the day in which we live with a crisis in mental health, I believe people are just that desperate. I believe they are looking for anyone that will hear them, see them and try to understand them. I’m hoping you will be that one.
I know that we are in a fast pace world. We are constantly moving and doing. We barely make time to do things that bring us joy. We are rushing from that place to this place and oftentimes we do things so quickly till we miss those we are encountering in those moments. I listened to a cashier in the grocery store ask a customer how they were doing, but you could tell that there was no real connection to those words, she was just being courteous. The customer never responded and the interaction ended. It caught my attention and I began to observe interactions in various environments. It made me think about the times I’ve asked others how they were doing but it was out of common courtesy. I began to explore my heart around it. I decided to make an effort to be more intentional with that question. To look people in the eyes when I ask them. To listen without interrupting them. Sometimes we’re so busy trying to give advice till we talk over people before hearing them out and we end up shutting that person down. When people are heard they feel less alone. Please understand that I’m not saying don’t be kind and courteous. I’m most definitely not, but I am encouraging you to be more intentional when you ask people how they are doing. The answer they might give may be there cry for help. Listen to what they say and observe the cues that may lead you to what is not being said. There are so many broken, hurting, desperate people that just need a listening ear. I know this isn’t a very long post but I’m hoping you will hear my heart though. People are in need of others they can trust. To be honest oftentimes they find strangers more safe to disclose to than people they live life with. Keep your eyes open, pay attention to those around you. Ask God to give you a spirit of noticing and a heart to help others. Pray for God to help you to have a ear that people can trust. I know we’re all dealing with our own stuff, God knows I’m dealing with mine. I also notice when I turn my attention off of my stuff and allow myself to give a listening ear to others, I feel better inside. Thank you for being here in this space. I am truly grateful for you. I hope you know just how important you are. I challenge you to ask someone this week”How are you”? Be intentional with it and see how people respond. Don’t forget to look at them in the eyes.
God I pray for the one reading these words. I pray that you would give them eyes to see the broken. I pray that they would have a heart to help. I pray they will have ears to hear. You are such a faithful God. We love you and we’re grateful to you. Amen
I am a wife, a mother a believer in Jesus Christ and a person who has lived with a mental health condition. My desire is to come alongside of those like me who need support. I will write my real, raw, honest journey through this in hopes that you and I can find strength through it together. Your comments are welcomed and honored here. All I ask is that you be respectful with your words because my journey might not look like yours but it is mine. Looking forward to walking alongside you here in this safe space.
P.S
If your looking for perfect grammar and words placed perfect….you won’t find that here. You will find words that come from my heart and the heart of Jesus, hopefully in that you will find hope. I believe with hope comes the courage to step into the safety of the light.
Uplift 
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