There are oodles of people hurting in all kinds of ways right now. Including ourselves. Me and you. It’s easy to avoid people when we are hurting or even lash out because hurting people hurt people. But what if we take ourselves out of the picture, set our feelings on the shelf for just a few minutes and imagine what would happen if we turned from living in a self-centered world to living in an other-centered world.
Can you imagine?
A wise woman once said, “When I need to feel loved, the best way I’ve learned is to give love.” She spoke about feeling needy and wanting her love tank filled but she discovered that instead of feeling down and miserable about her own lacking needs, she learned to turn it around and give love to the needy. Not just financially needy people but emotionally and spiritually needy too. People who have had a rough day or are grieving a loved one or experiencing hard times. Or those who’ve been hurt or neglected or who feel abandoned or rejected. Or those suffering their own failing health.
I’ve been there. Have you?
The holidays are hard for me ever since my mom died. Just knowing huge, happy gatherings of friends and family are celebrating Thanksgiving and Christmas together is enough to send me scrambling in the other direction. I’d like nothing more than to bury myself under a snuggly warm sanctuary of soft fleece blankets by myself. As if hiding from their happiness could heal my hurt or reclaim my joy. And I’m not the only one hurting.
But because we’ve hurt, we know how to help others. We can reclaim the joy we’ve misplaced by simply listening to others and meeting their needs by loving them.
Have you heard of a heart drop? Karen Ehman says, “A heart drop is when a person, either directly or in a cryptic way, gives you a peek into his or her heart.” It’s those unsaid words, the slump of the shoulders, the too-bright smile saying everything is fine, the fast-blinking eyes desperately trying to hide the tears. All of these things are gentle peeks into someone’s heart letting us know they aren’t ok. Everything isn’t just fine.
And if we pay close enough attention to these heart drops, we can make a difference in their life. Know a mom who is exhausted? Show up with dinner for her family. Know a friend who’s been through a rough time? Drop off a Starbucks drink to them. Know a church staff member who could use a break? Keep their kids for the weekend so they can have some alone time with their spouse.
There are countless ways to love our hurting friends or even strangers!
Thanks to Karen Ehman and her new book (released today!), Listen, Love, Repeat, I’m challenged to step out of my comfortable, safe, selfie zone and start living other-worldly, focusing on loving others in simple, practical ways.
I have a feeling this holiday will be different. You know that little flutter of hope in your heart, the thought that change is coming and it’ll be good? I’m not scared of the sorrow this year because this is the day I’ve been waiting for—for my mourning to turn to joy. In fact, we’ve already started!
My son and I spent our mother-son date yesterday stocking up on Mason jars to fill and gift others with little goodies –homemade turtles, cookie or soup mixes, and more! Our whole family is tuning our ears to the heart drops of others and we are ready to listen, love, and repeat!
This time of year is a great time for you too to join us in stepping out of our self-centered world and into an other-centered world. I think we will find hurting hearts on every corner! What do you think? Will you join us in scattering kindness?
Listen for those heart drops. Look for ways to love them. Repeat.
Listen. Love. Repeat.
If you’d like your own copy of Karen Ehman’s newest book, you may purchase it here at Amazon or any other book retailer or online store.
Disclaimer: Thank you Zondervan Publishing for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Beautiful post! That quote, “when I need to feel loved, the best way I’ve learned is to give love” really hit home for me.
Thank you so much! So true, though. <3
Aw, I love this! thank you so much for reminding me that in the rush of the season, we should remember to have compassion for those who may be hurting. I will be listening for the heartdrops!
Awesome! Thank you for reading. <3
Thank you for this, Amanda. I needed it. Please keep writing whatever The Holy Spirit leads you to write! Love you.
Thank you so much for your sweet, encouraging words, Ginny. Miss you and love you too!!!!
I love this. I always pin little neighbor gifts to spread cheer but the holidays always seem to get away from me. I think I’ll got get some today!
That’s so thoughtful! You’re doing a great job at listening, loving, and repeating! 🙂
Love this! Love the mason jar idea, too!
Thanks! We are excited to fill them up, gift them, and scatter some kindness. 🙂
I love everything about this. Beautifully written. I’m going to have to add that book to my reading list!
Thank you so much! Do add it–you won’t be disappointed! <3
I haven’t heard of the heart drop thing before but I love it!! It is so important that we read the subtle cues and calls for help and reassurance. I need to go find this book now.
This was my first time hearing of heart drops too! I totally agree! You’ll love this book!
I love this post. My mother passed 8 years ago today and holidays are not the same for me, either!
I’m so sorry for your loss, Carlie. Holidays among other memorable dates are difficult but I’m thankful for the memories. <3