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Welcome to the Determined to Dance podcast with your host, Jennifer Hallmark. Today’s episode, 15 Practical Ways to Be a Blessing, focuses on ways to support others and ourselves.
Are you ready? The world would have us march to its chaotic beat but God invites us to dance in His will and His way. Let’s take a moment to be energized, refreshed, and motivated to face the day, one spin and twirl at a time.
Show notes: 15 Practical Ways to Be a Blessing
April 27, 2011. Alabama was hit by 62 tornadoes. In one day. 253 people died, 14 in my county alone. We didn’t have electricity for five days, and many in other areas were without power much longer than that. No one in Alabama will ever forget that day of destruction and tragedy.
We also will never forget the way people pulled together throughout our community to help one another. I saw one example after another of practical efforts that blessed others. People handed out bottled water in affected areas. Cooked food to take to workers as they cleared trees and debris. Watched children so their parents could work where needed. People blessed others regardless of race, age, gender, political, and religious beliefs.
We banded together in the weeks and months that followed.
Over the last eighteen months, we’ve seen a catastrophe on a much larger scale. Sickness, death, and lost finances have devastated more people than can be counted. And once again, we’ve seen people stand together, even if it has been in a socially distant way. People delivering food and medicine, sharing supplies, and doing yard work for their friends and neighbors.
Blessing others in practical ways.
What a perfect topic to end a series on encouragement. Small and useful acts of kindness that make a difference, one-on-one. We don’t need a natural disaster or pandemic to open our eyes and ears to the needs around us. I’ve thought of fifteen ways we can be a blessing to others.
And to ourselves. Yes, self-care is not a bad or selfish act. It’s necessary to sustain strength and stamina to be a positive influence to those around us.
First, let’s talk about others:
- Write an inspiring note or card. Whether you send it by mail, text, or email, there’s nothing more reassuring than a heartfelt word spoken at just the right time. Proverbs 25:11 says “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” What a lovely word picture of encouragement.
- Take time to listen. Many people have been isolated and just want someone to take a moment to hear what they’ve been through. Whether in person, on the phone, or through texting or email, when you give of yourself by being present and paying attention to another’s sorrows or joys, you are being like Jesus.
- Help with chores or yard work. I Peter 4:10 says “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” You are gifted for a reason.
- Offer transportation or delivery services, especially to the elderly. A lot of senior citizens are limiting their time away from home. Check on family or neighbors to see if they need something.
- Speak affirming words. There is so much negative talk and criticism in the world today. Be positive and speak kind words to those around you. Proverbs 15:4 in the NLT version says “Gentle words bring life and health; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.”
- Smile. Wearing masks has made this more difficult but anytime you can, smile and speak to those around you. You rarely really know what people are going through.
- Say thank you. Don’t assume people know what you’re thinking. Be appreciative of others.
- Donate. Whether it’s food, clothes, household items, blood, or plasma, the need has never been greater. Be open to what you can do to help your community.
- Go the extra mile. This one is tough for me. Throughout the pandemic, I’ve struggled with energy and stamina, especially after my husband and I had COVID. But so many have gone the extra mile for me and I want to be a blessing in return.
- Pray. This is one we can all do, no matter our age or health. Take time each day to lift up those around you.
The Bible exhorts us to do good for others. Galatians 6:10: “Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.” A great reminder to lift up, stir up, and build up those around us. As often as we can. But what about encouraging ourselves? I speak more about this in episode 26. Here are five ways to care for yourself:
- Take care of your physical health by eating healthy, getting plenty of sleep, and moving daily.
- Take care of your emotional health by expressing your feelings to safe people and limiting emotionally stressful situations.
- Take care of your mental health by stimulating your mind and being compassionate toward yourself.
- Take care of your social health by building positive relationships and staying connected.
- Take care of your spiritual health by spending time with God in prayer and in the Word. Be part of a community of believers and stay active.
We can be a practical blessing to ourselves and others by taking time to listen, consider, and follow-through.
Let’s pray: Father God, we love you and thank you for showing us so many ways to bless others and take care of ourselves. You have filled the Bible with wisdom that helps us live our lives fully and richly. Show us needs and give us the heart to say “Here I am. Send me.” In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.
It’s time to listen and learn how to be a blessing to others. Join me next week as we talk about dancing during those ordinary seasons…Until then, stay determined to dance.
Links:
My debut novel, Jessie’s Hope
Remember: 15 Practical Ways to Be a Blessing
Video of the week:
I absolutely love music and each week I’d like to share a relevant song we can enjoy together.
