I took this photo last night. This morning I woke up to the horrific news in Las Vegas.
I don’t know about you, but all around me right now, there is sadness and heartbreak and hurt and overwhelm.
And it can feel like there’s nothing we can really do to make a difference.
It’s true, maybe you and I can’t change the world on our own. But we can make a difference right where we are — in our homes, our neighborhoods, our communities.
We can give light and hope and courage and love to those who are hurting, struggling, suffering, grieving.
We can give the gift of a smile. We can hug someone who needs it. We can look into a hurting friend’s eyes and really listen and let her know that she is seen and heard.
We can text someone or call someone to remind them that we care. We can bring a plate of cookies or a loaf of fresh bread to someone who is struggling or lonely.
We can write a note, make a phone call, offer to help.
We don’t have to wait for big opportunities to make a difference. If we all go about our day looking for ways to bring help and hope and healing, collectively, we can make such a difference!
If you are struggling today or hurting or just feeling overwhelmed, I would love to let you know that you are seen and heard in this little piece of the online world. Leave a comment here or send me a message and I would be honored to be a safe place for you to share what you’re going through. I would love to not only listen, but to also pray for you.
And if you are hurting today, I just want you to know: you are not alone. And you are loved. ❤️
Luba @ Healthy with Luba says
My friend lost her father last night. My heart goes out to her because she lost her husband a few years ago and is raising the children on her own.
Crystal Paine says
Oh! That is so sad. I just stopped and prayed for her.
Margaret says
My heart was heavy and burdened as I read your blog post and looked up the details. We have been living in limbo for the past month. We lost our house, most downstairs furniture and three cars in the flooding in Houston last month. But that is nothing in comparison with lives. We have had opportunity after opportunity to see God at work–even down to the details of a temporary move to north Texas to be near family the very day my dad was unexpectedly taken to ER with severe congestive heart failure. Been a gift from Him to be near them during this time. I have been praying that the church will rally around those in Vegas the same way we saw testimony in Houston. It was definitely an opportunity to bear witness to God’s goodness and faithfulness not only in spite of but often through the tough moments. We have gotten to share the hope that we have while so many others are suffering without that same hope. That is God’s gift.
Connie C says
((hugs)) to all
Christine says
Thanks Crystal. Have you thought of making praying for your followers a regular part of your mission?
Crystal Paine says
It actually is something I do almost every day! 🙂
LeAnne Martin says
Thank you so much for this, Crystal. It’s so helpful. I shared it on my blog today because honestly, I just didn’t have the words for this tragedy.
Crystal Paine says
Thank you so much for sharing. I’m grateful it encouraged you.
Lindsey S. says
Happy birthday a day late Crystal! Know that you are appreciated here in this online community of frugal women!
Crystal Paine says
Thank you so much!
Caroline says
Thank you for your post. We live in Las Vegas and we are just beyond devastated. We are praying for the victims and their families. We are asking Jesus to bless our city with His love and mercy.
Crystal Paine says
I’m so sorry!
Joanne Gandy says
Thank you for your touching words and so true. Lots of people so sad and scared with these current events. We need to give love, hope, and hugs to these. Young Moms who are wondering what kind of future their children will have, just love them more tenderly, and teach them their is a better life ahead and they will be the ones that will make it a better life for all. God bless this country and may this tragedy not be in vain, may we grow closer to each other and to our creator.
Crystal Paine says
Such good words. Thank you for sharing!
Heather says
I went to school in Vegas and now live far away, but loved that city. This morning I awoke to this tragic news and went from panic to calm when I heard from my boss who was traveling for work there along with a friend of mine and her husband who where at the concert last night. They are all safe. They are trying to make sense of this nightmare. We are in continual prayer for them and all the families involved who have to deal with the outcome of this tragedy.
Crystal Paine says
I’m so grateful they are safe.
Juli says
Love this post!
What a sad day and incredibly painful for soooooo many! Praying for all involved and our country.
Been wishing all day I could do more— thanks for the tangible ideas.
Crystal Paine says
You are so welcome!
Chrissie Thatcher says
Thank you for your words. Las Vegas is my town, full of my people. We are heartbroken. As a teacher, today I am with the babies of our city; so sweet and innocent. They’re scared, as are we all. Not that we will be hurt, but that evil could strike so close to our home. Our city is a small one, our community tight. The only way to strike back is through love. May God be with us, give us the words to share to those hurt and hearts to love in the midst of pain.
Quinn says
Chrissie,
I love what you said!!
“The only way to strike back is through love.”
Quinn Horn says
“The only way to strike back is through love.”
Love the way you said it!
Crystal Paine says
YES!