Helping others and those in need often conjures up images of giving to the poor or the sick. The reality is that those hurting might only need a smile, a kind word, or a handshake. And helping others does not require money, a lot of time, or even perfect health.
Mr. M. is an older gentleman at our church that greets folks as they enter the foyer. Since we attend the first service and it takes time to wrangle up our kids and their books we get to see Mr. M. as he kindly greets people for the following service. What impacts me about this is that Mr. M. is wheelchair bound and seems to have been affected by a stroke. This does not stop him from smiling, reaching out a hand, and saying ‘good morning’ with the distinctive voice of one struggling with speech. But each syllable is music to my soul. And after not seeing him for several weeks I worried about his health and was relieved to finally see him again this Sunday helping others. When he could not get the words out as before and his lips fought with his intentions I fought back tears as I walked to the car. For him and for myself.
There is also a 10 year old child whose mouth and eye have been severely effected by a surgery to remove a brain tumor. And when the doctors discovered that she had lost hearing in one ear she had to comfort her mother that it would be okay. And each day when they travel the long miles to the hospital for chemo she thinks of ways to help others that are sick. Could I be so strong?
Despite their health challenges and seemingly broken bodies they show up and give what they can to help others and those in need. Greeting may not seem like much but to people like me it is a blessing. Mr. M. is for some people the first smiling face they have seen all week and a glimpse of what they will encounter inside. He is the last person I speak to when I leave and walk back to the ‘real world.’ The little girl has a Spirit within that gives healing to the other sick children she meets. They are both reminders that no matter our circumstances we can all offer something to help others. Without complaint or excuse.
How many times have we said that we cannot do something because we are too tired, too busy, needing to watch a ballgame, give the kids a bath, or go out with friends? How many times have we ignored the tiny voice inside that says to be kind to the person standing next to us in the grocery store because the person was too old, too young, dressed different, had a different color skin, or had funny hair?
Wouldn’t you rather your hands be filled with this instead?
Mr. M. may never know what his smile does for me each week but I hope I am able to help others the way he helps me.
This is for Jenny Matlock’s alphabet series, letter N.
QUESTION: What can you give that does not cost more than a kind word?
Pin It22 Responses to Helping Others: HelpingThose in Need
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beautiful post!!
“Greeting” may well be the most important work we ever do!
Great photos :)
A smile can go a long way :) I always try to greet people when I walk past them whether it be at work or at the grocery store. A simple hello and a smile could really make someone’s day!
Very touching. Thanks for sharing that. You helped to show how even really “little” things like greeting people on a Sunday can make a huge impact.
What a beautiful story Erika! Thanks for sharing!
Great admonition to all of us! Smile!
Beautiful post, Erika. Living in a rural area half the year and a more suburban area the other half I can see the difference living so crowded has on folks demeanor. It must be the stress of getting to and from that causes folks not to greet or smile at each other in line or be patient in parking lots. In small towns it seems everyone has time to stop and chat – strangers and friends alike. I try to bring that openness and my smiles every day as when I get that smile back it feels SO good. Thanks for the reminder that it doesn’t take anything extra to improve someone’s day.
you just never know how much a smile or a few kind words might mean to someone. This made me think of a little old man who used to work at a local gas station. They actually still have people come out and pump your gas. I was having a really bad day and before heading home stopped for gas. The old man came out and when I rolled my window down he greeted me with “well hello there sunshine” He brightened my day and my mood with just 4 little words.
what a sweet story. I bet Mr. M is totally happy to be at church and greet people too.
A simple thank-you can help a lot, for a waitress or a person standing behind a cash register all day…
Beautiful post Erika and so well written! I tend to forget how my actions (or non-actions) affect others especially this time of year so this was a wonderful reminder. Thank you for sharing their stories with us.
Thank you for sharing about these giving people. A smile and returned kindness are good ways to thank them for what they give of themselves.
He sounds like a really special man.
So many places I can use this in my day. Thank you for a great reminder that the little things can and do make a difference in this world.
Dana
Wonderful post! Do it now =) Don’t wait to call, don’t walk away with out the smile, don’t miss the sunset with a friend! Do it now!
So beautiful, I love that everyone can fill a mission so to speak. How wonderful that Mr. M serves so beautifully even when he could easily take a back seat. We are all needed, and when we seek to serve we bless the lives of others.
Terrific post. So many ways that we can help others, no matter what our own situation might be. And it’s so rewarding to do so!
Great post! I am a firm believer in smiling and saying good morning/evening to everyone I see. Sometimes people just turn away, but most people smile and nod.
Oh yes indeed! What a very lovely post! Thanks so much for the tenderness!
A smile. A hug. A wave hello. This year I have made it my mission to tell everyone I meet to have a nice day or a wonderful day, or a great day. You won’t believe the amount of people that actually smile back at you or say Thank You, you too! So…it is my mission this year to show love to my fellow man. I also want to pay it forward. Make someone’s day. Even if it means dropping a quarter in a gumball machine and walking away so the next unsuspecting child can have a sweet surprise. I think everyone in this world needs a little love.
I think those people you have written about know something that you don’t. That God is taking care of them and they have all the reason in the world to be happy. So be happy. Smile back. Grip hands. Give hugs. Show love.~Ames
Lovely take on “N”
The people you mentioned in your post remind me of a sermon I heard a long while ago about using pain as your pulpit. It sounds like these people did that well!
It’s amazing how the little things can really make a huge difference in someone else’s life!
I am getting all watery-eyed over here…
They sound like such strong-spirited and inspirational people…
It’s amazing how a smile or a genuine “How are you?” can have such a profound effect on your day…
This was a really Neat and thoughtful post for the letter “N”…
Loved it!
Thank you for linking.
A+