There are so many hurting people in this world. Sometimes the needs can be overwhelming. I find myself wishing I had more time to help those who are hurting in my corner of the world. One thing I have learned in the past couple years is that I can still help in some way. Here are four simple ways to show you care.

Have you ever wondered how to be a good friend? Or maybe you have given up on friendship because it is just too hard. Wherever you stand on friendship, I think you would really like Never Unfriended by Lisa-Jo Baker. Here are three reasons why.

I am sorry. Is this something you say to a friend when they share about something they are going through? Do you listen for their benefit? Or does your focus shift to yourself and what you are going through? Listening and truly caring. I know this is an area that I need to work on. It’s tough though. But the more I share about things happening in my life, the more I am learning what people need. The past year has been a year of many trials for me. I have had various responses to all that I am going through. Sometimes I have just wanted to yell at a person because of how they respond. Other times, I have wanted to hug the person because they get it.

Listening- one of the hardest things to do. What does it mean to listen? Here is the definition from Webster's dictionary: "to pay attention to someone in order to hear what is being said and understand that it is serious, important, or true." When I read over this definition, I am convicted. How many times has a friend shared a concern with me and I haven't really listened to them?  Do I listen for the benefit of my friend?

This morning I went for an 8-mile run. It was a solid run and it felt amazing! To some people, this sounds absolutely crazy. To others, it sounds impossible. It may feel like they could never run 8 miles let alone a half mile.  I used to think it was crazy and impossible too. Then God got a hold of my heart and asked me to step out in faith. Here’s my story about how it all began…