I love how God set up the world. He gave us a beautiful gift when He blessed us with love and the support of others. It is such an honor to pray for someone else and to be able to help them through their trial. Being united by love and hardship is a wonderful blessing.

So many times in my life, during the midst of the struggle, God has sent someone to help me. Someone who understood my situation, and someone who knew exactly what I needed to hear. Every time this happens it always amazes me and reminds me of how much God loves me. He doesn’t leave us in the midst of the storm, but He provides everything that we need. Even when we don’t know what we need.

God gave us the power of connection. He knows that when we are alone we get weak, so He sends us friends to strengthen us. Every time I walk through the doors of my church, I am strengthened in some way. Just being among God’s people helps me.

When God blesses me to help someone else, it helps me, too. Anytime we connected with another heart, we are strengthened by each other. So we should seek those who are struggling and offer them our support. We have more power than we realize to make a difference. Kindness and love have the boomerang effect. What we send out comes back to us.

• If you notice someone sitting by themselves, ask them to sit with you and your friends.

• If you notice someone who seems sad, smile at them and take a moment to talk to them.

• If you notice someone who always seems angry and mean to others, pray for them.

We don’t always know the struggles that other people are going through. Sometimes we all just need to know that someone cares. Be that person for someone else today.

Candida Sullivan is an author and inspirational speaker. She lives in New Tazewell with her husband and kids. For more information about her books or to schedule her for your event, email her at candidasullivan@yahoo.com.