Helping Others is "A Touch of Love"

This is my beautiful sister, Heidi M. Allen, in the center at the Memorial Day parade many years ago.
If you recognize yourself or anyone else, please leave a comment below and share...

Our new pastor is preaching on prayer currently, and his message is such an encouragement and challenge to us all. One aspect of prayer he revisits is that our "behaviors reflect our values". I've noticed Joyce Meyer has been posting similar tidbits the past couple weeks, coincidence, I don't think so...it's a God-Instance. I could say God is speaking only to me but I don't think so, this is a message we all need to hear and follow through with.

Our behaviors should reflect what we believe so others will say, "How does he or she do that?" or "In spite of ____, he/she is so calm or has it together." Can people say this about you?

I'll admit there are times I fail, and fail miserably. My greatest weakness is when the "Mama Bear" erupts. I promise you there are educators, admins, and possibly other parents who can testify to the gremlin within me that doesn't model Jesus' love to others but when my daughter is threatened or being dealt with unfairly, the kid gloves come off and Mama Bear enters. Don't get me wrong, it is only because of Christ-within-me, that I handle things in a much calmer manner than I would of a decade ago. With this being said, I'm not perfect yet I strive to be the best I can.

What does this have to do with "Helping Others is a Touch Love"? A lot actually. Similar to Pastor Dan's message about our "behaviors reflecting our values", helping others is a way we can show love to others.

How can you show love to those in your family, neighborhood, work place, school, or community? Be creative and think outside the box.

There are opportunities before us daily when we look at them in this manner...opportunities!

O utreach to those in need of hearing they are loved by God
P eople matter to God
P ace yourself to avoid burnout
O ffer to help the single parent, shut-in, or grieving neighbor
R emember God first loved us, so to share love is the least we can do
T ime used to share blessings rather than waste surfing
U nderstand there are hurt and lost people all around you
N ever underestimate your ability to change the heart and life of someone in need
I  ntentional grace and mercy extended
T rain your children to do the same, start a positive cycle of love for others
I  nclude family and friends to magnitude the blessing
E veryone needs to know God loves them
S eize every chance you have to extend hope and love to others

We may not all have the chance to host a scene like the one in "Sister Act" but if we use the creative side of our brains, fueled by our love and desire to share God's love with others...we can sing a beautiful song of hope, healing, and LOVE into those we cherish the most. The lost matter to God.

The Lord your God is with you,
    the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
    in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
    but will rejoice over you with singing.”
Zephaniah 3:17

What is ONE way you could SHARE LOVE with OTHERS?