When I can’t be the one… As I drove past the downtrodden woman walking the sidewalk with head hung down, I sensed a sad, hopeless being.

I prayed a little prayer that the Lord would bless her some way, somehow.

As I passed a homeless man pulling a wagon with what looked all his belongings, I prayed the Lord would bless him, some way, somehow.

As I passed a weed filled, trashy backyard—with a dog chained to a tree, I prayed for the neglected animal, that the Lord would free him soon to run and play like it was meant to be.

As I passed children walking alone with their heads lost in their phones, I prayed for their safety, unaware of possible lurking danger.

Why do I straddle a turtle as I drive down the road to avoid its demise?

Why does my heart feel sensitive about matters that I can’t change other than to pray to my Father, the Creator, of this universe?

Because I believe in prayer…even for those I don’t know, or for circumstances beyond my control.

What does our textbook on life say? ‘Bear one another’s burdens and therefore fulfill the law of Christ’ can be found in Galatians 6:1,2. If we live with what are called the Fruits of the Spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, we can’t help but think about others before ourselves.

I like Galatians 5:13 and 14, ‘You were called to freedom,… only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, in one statement, ‘You shall LOVE your neighbor as yourself.’

Ephesians 2:10 says ‘We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus FOR GOOD WORKS, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.’ Isn’t that cool? So, I think we are created to be sensitive to others’ needs.

Our town, Seminole, offers an opportunity for us to help by supporting a successful ministry called Mama’s Christ Van. (Google it for more info.) Many, many homeless people, and others who suffer from unfortunate circumstances continue to be helped by the ministry developed by Daniel and Jennifer Roberts. They use a van to transport food and clothing, as well as offer shower facilities to those in need. I’ve known Daniel since he was a boy. He has quite an amazing testimony as an overcomer of serious challenges for so much of his life, and since he was helped to get through it, he is giving back.

So, no matter whether it’s people who need our prayers or a ministry that can reach many people, we need to stay sensitive to do what we can. Nothing guarantees us from becoming the next needing help. And as far as animals are concerned, after Adam was created, God created animals and told Adam they were in his care. We are to respect and consider the life of animals and not abuse them in any way. There is power in prayer and no prayer, I believe, goes unnoticed, So when that’s all you can possibly do, keep your heart open, at all times, to be ready to pray. God bless you and yours.