Lately, I’ve been thinking about how powerful just one encouraging word—or small act of kindness—can be. In my work raising funds to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), I’m reminded every day how deeply people long to be seen. Not as a diagnosis, or a label, or even a need—but simply as a person. And honestly, that desire isn’t unique to those with IDD. It’s something we all share.
We don’t know the roads people are walking on. And often, we don’t get the full story—just a moment. A moment in line at the grocery store. A moment on a plane. A moment when someone needs help but doesn’t know how to ask. In those chance encounters, we may only get one opportunity to be the positive in someone’s day. But what if that one moment made all the difference?
I’ve been traveling a lot recently and have spent more time than usual in airports. I’ve noticed how so many people keep their heads down, rushing through crowds, lost in their own worries or to-do lists. But occasionally, there are moments that cut through the noise—someone offering a seat, moving a bag to make room, helping take down luggage from an overhead compartment. Small gestures, really—but they carry weight.
One day recently, I was at Lowe’s in my hometown when I noticed an elderly woman struggling with the self-checkout machine. I walked over and asked if I could help. She gratefully accepted, and we got her checked out in no time. She turned to me and said, “You didn’t have to help me—I’m sure you’re busy.” And it stopped me in my tracks.
I was busy. But it took only a few minutes to change her day. It was easy for me—but meaningful for her. That’s when I thought: What if we all just took that extra moment? Scripture reminds us in Ephesians 4:29 (NIV), “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Our words—and our actions—have the power to lift people up. And in a world that can feel so heavy, that encouragement matters more than ever.
Jesus lived this out. He stopped for the poor, the sick, the overlooked. The people the world didn’t have time for. He made time. And I believe God calls us to do the same. I’ve been trying to be intentional, pausing, looking up, noticing. Trusting that God places us in just the right moment, at just the right time, to brighten someone’s day, offer hope, or simply extend kindness.
In Matthew 5:16 (NIV), Jesus encourages us, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” When we make space for kindness, we reflect the heart of Christ.
There’s enough conflict in the world. Maybe a little more kindness could shift that. Perhaps it could open space for people to see the light of Christ shining through us. One encouraging word. One small action. It may seem like nothing to us, but to someone else, it might just be everything. This week, ask God to open your eyes to someone who needs encouragement. Be ready to pause, to speak life, or to simply show up with kindness. Your moment of care could be someone else’s moment of hope. Let’s be intentional—and let’s be the light.
Matthew 5:16 (NIV) “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
