Welcome to the Determined to Dance podcast with your host, Jennifer Hallmark. Today’s episode, 15 Practical Ways to Be a Blessing, focuses on ways to support others and ourselves.

Are you ready? The world would have us march to its chaotic beat but God invites us to dance in His will and His way. Let’s take a moment to be energized, refreshed, and motivated to face the day, one spin and twirl at a time.

Show notes: 15 Practical Ways to Be a Blessing

April 27, 2011. Alabama was hit by 62 tornadoes. In one day. 253 people died, 14 in my county alone. We didn’t have electricity for five days, and many in other areas were without power much longer than that. No one in Alabama will ever forget that day of destruction and tragedy.

We also will never forget the way people pulled together throughout our community to help one another. I saw one example after another of practical efforts that blessed others. People handed out bottled water in affected areas. Cooked food to take to workers as they cleared trees and debris. Watched children so their parents could work where needed. People blessed others regardless of race, age, gender, political, and religious beliefs.

We banded together in the weeks and months that followed.

Over the last eighteen months, we’ve seen a catastrophe on a much larger scale. Sickness, death, and lost finances have devastated more people than can be counted. And once again, we’ve seen people stand together, even if it has been in a socially distant way. People delivering food and medicine, sharing supplies, and doing yard work for their friends and neighbors.

Blessing others in practical ways.

What a perfect topic to end a series on encouragement. Small and useful acts of kindness that make a difference, one-on-one. We don’t need a natural disaster or pandemic to open our eyes and ears to the needs around us. I’ve thought of fifteen ways we can be a blessing to others.

And to ourselves. Yes, self-care is not a bad or selfish act. It’s necessary to sustain strength and stamina to be a positive influence to those around us.

First, let’s talk about others:

Write an inspiring note or card. Whether you send it by mail, text, or email, there’s nothing more reassuring than a heartfelt word spoken at just the right time. Proverbs 25:11 says “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” What a lovely word picture of encouragement.
Take time to listen. Many people have been isolated and just want someone to take a moment to hear what they’ve been through. Whether in person, on the phone, or through texting or email, when you give of yourself by being present and paying attention to another’s sorrows or joys, you are being like Jesus.
Help with chores or yard work. I Peter 4:10 says “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” You are gifted for a reason.
Offer transportation or delivery services, especially to the elderly. A lot of senior citizens are limiting their time away from home. Check on family or neighbors to see if they need something.
Speak affirming words. There is so much negative talk and criticism in the world today. Be positive and speak kind words to those around you. Proverbs 15:4 in the NLT version says “Gentle words bring life and health; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit."
Smile. Wearing masks has made this more difficult but anytime you can, smile and speak to those around you. You rarely really know what people are going through.
Say thank you. Don’t assume people know what you’re thinking. Be appreciative of others.
Donate. Whether it’s food, clothes, household items, blood, or plasma, the need has never been greater. Be open to what you can do to help your community.
Go the extra mile. This one is tough for me. Throughout the pandemic, I’ve struggled with energy and stamina, especially after my husband and I had COVID.