Let's Get "Un"comfortable

Last week I blogged about empathy and taking the time to consider what the rest of the world is going through as we walk through this journey.

Today I came across an article by Andree Seu who writes for World Magazine. She talked about stepping out of her own comfort zone to minister to those she comes into contact with...even total strangers.

Reading her thoughts, which you can find here, I had to wonder how many people I pass by on any given day without another thought. People that are obviously hurting or in need. Or maybe people that have needs not so obvious. They may be people I know or they may be total strangers.

We are all needy in some respect. A smile, a kind word, or maybe a few minutes of our time can be such an encouragement to someone else and we just might be surprised what it does for us as well.

I have been struck lately by the suffering that is all around us. We won't have to look far to find someone that is hurting or lonely. Let's take a few minutes to step out of our own comfort zone and reach out to them. Every time we do, it will make it that much easier the next time.

You don't have to have all of the answers. Usually a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on go much further anyway. Then again, the best answer of all is the hope of Christ for the lost and the reassurance of that hope for the suffering believer.

So, will you offer an ear or a shoulder and get "un"comfortable with me?

Photo by Erin J. Pond (no kin)