This past weekend, I was sitting in an evangelism training for Take the City. I was struggling, physically; I had little to no energy but I was trying to push through it and engage with the session. In a matter of seconds, I made eye contact with my director, Andrew Chalmers. He looked into my eyes, winked, and then resumed his focus on the speaker.

In my moment of weakness, I needed to feel seen, known, and reassured that someone was there for me. In a split second, Andrew showed me that he saw me and knew me. The kindness in his eyes told me that; the wink provided the feeling of safety and covering. I needed a father in that moment, someone to lift me up, to say: I’ve got you and I love you and everything is going to be alright. Andrew met me half way with the care of a father. He let me know that I mattered and that when he looked at me, he didn’t see someone who was weak but someone who was loved, appreciated, and cared for, someone who was strong.

Ephesians 6:10-11 tells us:”Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”

Sometimes being strong in the Lord means allowing others in, allowing others to reach into the depths of our soul and love us with the Father’s love: love that is pure, holy, and tender. Love that says “I see you. I know you. And nothing and no one will ever take you out of my hands (John 10:28). You are my child in whom I am well pleased (Mark 1:11). Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”(Matthew 11:29).

We often look for big ways we can serve each other, but perhaps what we need to do is stop, listen, and simply love the one in front of us. Sometimes it is the smallest of measures that means the most.