Thank You For Asking

(c)Daneille Gray Snowden 2022

Today, I was deeply touched in my heart when a dear friend asked how my husband was. I did not mention it first, out of the blue; she asked about something dear to my heart. This wasn't the first time as she has  asked about different matters in my life several times.

May I tell you how that made me feel? It made me feel cared for, loved and set back how someone cares intensely about me and my life.

How often do you personally experience such care and interest from others? And, as I ask myself this too; how often do we reach out and ask others how they are?

When people as a whole reach out in such a way, we see the creation power of God as hearts are connected to one another and a strong foundation is beginning to be built for a lasting relationship. 

I love it when I hear conversations in church or in my home when I listen to their questions of wanting to learn of others situations, experiences, needs and even joys. The questioner is totally focused OFF of self and onto the the questionee. The selfless act to care enough to ask and simply listen is quite empowering to both individuals. 

There is a TYPE of person who asks caring questions to others. A study by Forbes concluded that these type of individuals are better at building relationships. 

God created mankind with so many attributes, and His vision for us all was to live-out a beautiful purposeful life for His Glory. He created us to NEED PEOPLE! We first and foremost NEED JESUS, Who is the author and finisher of our faith! He often sends His love through His Word, Holy Spirit and yes, people. 

God also created and ordained the Church, that has many members. The church as stated in 1 Peter 4:9-10 is to serve one another. 

 "Be hospitable to one another without complaint. 10 Just as each one of you has received a special gift [a spiritual talent, an ability graciously given by God], employ it in serving one another as [is appropriate for] good stewards of God’s multi-faceted grace [faithfully using the diverse, varied gifts and abilities granted to Christians by God’s unmerited favor]."

As we all ask, it builds trust and deeper relationships. 

It cultivates deep trust and a safe place for one another. And... gives permission to share our heart-passions, needs and joys!

Jesus asked questions too! 25 times to be exact and responded directly 4x. Jesus displayed His interest to have genuine conversations. 

He knew that; QUESTIONS PENETRATE THE HEART!   

As we take our focus off ourselves and onto the lives of others we display what Paul stressed in 1 Thessalonians 5:11  "Bear one ye another's  burdens..." But, also each others joys too! "Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those that weep." Romans 12:15

The best advice Paul gave in this matter is in:

Philippians 2:4 

"Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others."

What a great challenge to all of us and then in turn for us to experience a beautiful opportunity to grow and be a true blessing to others!

This is Daneille Snowden and THANK YOU FOR ASKING!