Reach out and touch someone.
No this isn’t a commercial for the phone company although
one of them does use that slogan. I am talking about reaching out to your
fellow man. And it can be via phone, email, txt or maybe even….get this now…..”
in person”. Whoa that concept; reaching out to someone in person. The nerve of me saying that. I mean is it
still possible or acceptable to actually reach out to someone in person? I
think it is. But if you aren’t able to do it face to face try one of the other
avenues.
For many years I kept my feelings locked up inside. Telling
someone else my true feelings was not only hard to do it was frowned upon. My
parents taught me that real men don’t tell people how they feel. Real men put
on a front to look tough and to prevent anyone from knowing the real you. Real
men don’t welcome others with a hug or a smile or any kind of friendly greeting
because that lets your guard down and leaves you open for someone to get inside
your safe zone.
That may be true but what am I really protecting in that
safe zone…..”nothing”. The truth is it also prevents people from being your
friend or reaching out to you in need. I have discovered that there are a lot
of people out there in need. More now than ever before. And I am not talking
about being in need of cash although a lot are. I am talking about being in
need of a friend or someone’s shoulder to cry on. There are a lot of people out
there just one step from giving up on life or ending it all. There are a lot of
people who just need to talk to someone and have someone listen to them. And
just knowing that someone out there cares enough to listen may change their
entire life.
So I have decided to be one of those people. I have always
listened to the problems of others but I have never really reached out to other
to ask them if they are ok or if they are in need. We all have our problems in
life but I think I have a little caring that I can share with someone else. And
just maybe I can make a difference in someone’s life. I do know that if I don’t
reach out and take that first step, I may miss an opportunity to help someone.
And I don’t like the sound of that.
Greg
Greg,
ReplyDeleteWOW! What a powerful post! I think this is so relevant right now based on the bad label that the word "Christian" is often associated with. Bible Thumpers, judgmental, righteous, self serving, condemning, you get the point. I think that this is the perfect way to create an open door of opportunity not only for people to get to know us better, but to get to know Christ through what we say and more importantly how we model our lives. It speaks volumes compared to what we say.
I applaud your efforts to create a pandemic for Christ through your kindness and generosity. I will pray for God to guide man people your way so you can lead them to their eternal home through introducing them to Christ.
May God shine brilliantly through you today.
Love and Hugs ~ Kat
Very good post!I have come across several commetns, articles, etc., regarding opening up to others. Telling our story as well as listening. It can be so hard to tell our story. And can be also intimidating offering a true shoulder to another. As we decided to close our business, I had to reach beyond me/us (my husband) for some support. For a clearer perspective or just someone not deeply, emotionally involved in opening/closing of the business. At the time, I came across the verse about Moses being held up by Aaron and ?? It hit home that we are community and we need to be held up sometimes, and sometimes we need to do the holding. :)
ReplyDeleteSuch a powerful message! We tend to be so focused on our own lives and truly the Christian life is about others. Jesus gave us such an example of this in his own life. ,
ReplyDeleteMay we all strive to put others first and 'do this thing ' we call Christianity!!
Greg,
ReplyDeleteI too am much like you in very similar ways! Even Kat knows how stubborn I am and sometimes don't communicate the way I should. Its hard for all of us guys who were taught to keep everything inside so hang in there and just be yourself and open up as much as you feel comfortable as each day goes by! Take care!