“How are you?”

“Fine. And you?”

“I’m good. Talk to you later.”

Sound familiar? Think of how many times a version of this conversation happens. What if we slowed down and challenged ourselves to consider that maybe someone is in “deep waters” with a struggle today, and we can be the one who shows them who is really with them? ✝️

When I consider the actions I should take in something as serious as helping others with their struggles, I look no further than God’s character and Jesus’ actions in Scripture. Luke 8:43-48 shows us how Jesus sought out people by slowing down & recognizing their struggle. Jesus was on the way to another “appointment” (if you will) to help the leader of a local synagogue with his dying child. Jesus was literally making his way through a crowd, which I imagine was not only large but also loud, as everyone would be trying to get Jesus’ attention. In all of this, Jesus feels, senses, and recognizes a small touch of a woman in the crowd who had been bleeding for 12 years. All it took was a tiny touch on the fringe of Jesus’ garment, not only to heal her instantly but to get the attention of Jesus in the process.

I can’t help to think that Jesus could have easily just healed quietly and moved on to that next thing, but He slowed down to tell her that her “faith has made (her) well. (And to) Go in peace.” I want to be even a fraction of this for others! I want to be able to slow down, hear, and recognize when someone is grasping for that fringe of Jesus. I want to be able to not only listen in the moment but to plant the seeds of the true Savior, Jesus.

So my challenge today for myself and to you is to slow down and listen to someone. When I say “How are you?” I want to really listen, not brush it off to get to that “next appointment” or task of my day. This tiny phrase of “How are you” can be an opening that someone needs today to let you know their struggle and find help to find peace.

Jesus, I pray that you help me today to slow down and be there for my friends, my family, and people who are currently strangers to me. I pray that I can be your hands and feet to help someone feel seen today and to know that someone cares. Amen.