Verse of the Day - Proverbs 12:25

An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.
~ Proverbs 12:25 (NIV)

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Anxiety . . . we all have it at times, and to varying degrees. With all that goes on in the world on the large scale and the issues of our own personal circumstances, we can get totally weighed down with worry and concern. I don't even have to ask for an amen on that, now do I? And even when we turn to God for the issues that weigh heavy on our hearts, sometimes there is no instant relief -- the burdens are real and they are heavy...

~ Employment woes that are very tangible -- layoffs, furloughs, wage reductions...

~ Health crises that threaten our earthly existence -- cancer, organ failure, stroke...

~ Relationship turmoil that strikes at the core of our heart -- parent to child, spouse to spouse, co-worker to co-worker...

It's a no-brainer to agree that anxiety weighs us down. But it is amazing how a kind word can cheer us up. A text on our cell-phone from a friend who says, "am thinking of u", or an email with a smiley face. A personal smile and a "hello" from someone passing in the hall. A snail mail encouragement card or letter in the mailbox -- with a postage stamp and everything! (These are officially on the endangered species list and are becoming more rare with each unveiled new form of communication technology.) A little encouragement makes a difference to someone who's under the weight of the world's challenges. It helps them know that they're not alone, that someone cares enough to reach out and try to lift even a little of their burden, to give them hope that things can be different, in time.

If you're under anxiety's weight right now, I hope you can allow those around you to cheer you with a kind word -- let that kindness penetrate the brick wall of woe that you're locked behind. And if you are one who sees a soul under the world's weight, consider how you can lift their burden even a little -- and then do it. Give that smile or hug, send that text or email, sit down and write that card or letter. It is never time ill-spent, and could mean all the difference to that person in need.

We all need encouragement, and we all receive joy in being encouragers. Today you may be on one side, and tomorrow you might be on the other. It's all part of God's human welfare system!

Love,
Joelene