caring

T.H.E. Eyes

/ Mark Brady / Leave a comment
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Looking into someone’s eyes is a powerful act that can foster deep connections and understanding. It is a form of nonverbal communication that can reveal hidden truths and emotions, making it a crucial aspect of human interaction. Eye contact can enhance empathy, trust, and social connection, while the absence of eye contact can lead to discomfort and disconnection. By understanding the science behind eye contact, individuals can improve their communication skills and build stronger relationships.. (Source: Copilot search)

I frequent a place of business quite regularly. To the extent that I have gotten to know the three employees who work there. I will use the first letter of each one’s name, but then change the rest.

The first employee is Todd. He greets customers with a big smile, and when you look into his eyes, you see joy, hope, and care. I’ve never inquired, but it seems obvious that he knows and has accepted Jesus Christ into his heart because “love” shines when he assists you. Todd could be angry and bitter because he suffers from a debilitating disease that causes him to use arm crutches to simply walk.

The next one up is Holly. She always looks depressed. Her eyes say, “See me! Notice how smart I think I am.” She tends to lean on or over the counter, and she is highly defensive. Though they don’t say anything, a lot of the customers get frustrated with her. She will stand still and go on and on about stuff that she knows but has no connection with doing her job. Most customers want to run in, do business, and get out quickly.

The third employee is Evelyn. She is very nice and is the manager. It took her a while to open up to me. I think that is due to her race. Her eyes say that she has been disrespected and hurt. She doesn’t smile very often, but when she does, it is warm and genuine. Her eyes reveal that she is tired and would probably be at home knitting for her grandchildren. She has a big heart for people who need a break, like Todd.

Making eye contact takes time and being intentional. I feel Jesus did this. Like when the woman who was caught in adultery was brought to him. When she looked at Jesus, she no doubt saw love, acceptance, concern, and her forgiveness. I’m convinced it was direct eye contact with Jesus that ministered to many.

I had a situation yesterday where, when I tried to speak to a lady and assist her in getting in and out of the sanctuary while the lights were dimmed for the worship, she only looked down. It bothered me, and I almost said something negative in nature to her, but thankfully, the Holy Spirit stopped me.

Later, I saw her while looking over the congregation. I got a sense she was tired, and her heart was heavy. I prayed for her, and that is when I sensed God say to me, “I see her.” After the service was over, I ran into her in the lobby. I asked her if she had a moment. This time, she looked at me and our eyes made contact. I told her what I had sensed, and then I said, “God wanted me to let you know He sees you.”  She started crying, and I asked April to hug her, as I prayed over her.

See people, make eye contact, and let them know they are seen.

Matthew 19:26 Looking into their eyes, Jesus replied, “Humanly speaking, no one, because no one can save himself. But what seems impossible to you is never impossible to God!” | The Passion Translation (TPT)

Copyright © 2025 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

Yes – Yes – No Pizza

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A woman told the man who was abusing her that she was going to order a pizza. Instead, she called “9-1-1.” The dispatcher caught on quickly as the woman said, “I would like to order a pizza, please.” The operator asked, “Are you in trouble?” “Yes,” the woman replied. “Does he have a gun?” “Yes.” “Has he pointed the gun at you?” “No.” “Okay. Stay as calm as you can, and the police will be there soon.”

People you know are talking to you. You understand the English words they are saying, but you are not hearing them. They are ordering a “Yes, Yes, No Pizza!” They are talking in code. They’re trying to tell you something. Perhaps they are lonely, scared, or hurting.

Hearing people requires real listening and reading their body language. It means not being a narcissist and asking about them. Then, not just taking a casual answer like “Fine.” Of course, it helps when the Holy Spirit whispers a clue to you. Last Sunday, while in church, the Holy Spirit spoke into my spirit, “Pray for the man in front of you.” After the service, I said to him, “I hope this doesn’t seem weird, but I sensed the Holy Spirit told me to pray for you this week.” “Oh, thank you,” he responded. “Our family is going through a lot right now.” I had just met him as it was their first time attending our church.

If you come across a person who is ordering a “Yes, Yes, No Pizza,” I hope you pry enough to see how you may be able to help them. Don’t just say, “Oh, I’m so sorry to hear that. I’ll be praying for you.” If you can’t help personally, then help them find a person or place that can help them.

Therefore encourage (admonish, exhort) one another and edify (strengthen and build up) one another, just as you are doing. 1 Thes. 5:11 (AMPC)

Bear (endure, carry) one another’s burdens and troublesome moral faults, and in this way fulfill and observe perfectly the law of Christ (the Messiah) and complete what is lacking [in your obedience to it]. Gal. 6:2 (AMPC)

Let each of you esteem and look upon and be concerned for not [merely] his own interests, but also each for the interests of others. Phi. 2:4 (AMPC)

Copyright © 2025 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

Finishing Touches

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Have you ever had a friend who seems to do everything right? You’re in need, and they are right there with you, and they have what you need. They seem invaluable to you and your life. In fact, at times, you can’t imagine life without them. They also seem to be the ones who champion celebrations in your life as well.

April and I know a lady who seems to have made it her mission in life to celebrate a person’s milestones, especially if it is a birthday. She does it right, too. Beautiful cakes accented with remnants or tablecloths, festive decorations, tiaras, and, of course, invited friends. She specializes in keeping the upcoming celebration a secret, as well. Recipients always feel special. I know April did when her fortieth birthday was celebrated last year.

We know another lady who is always on the spot when it comes to bringing over a meal whenever your life is going through a tough time, whether it be an illness, death in the family, or something else. Her actions show that she is aware of what you are going through and that she cares.

I have a friend who will drop whatever he is doing to come over and help you. It doesn’t matter if it is a home improvement project, lifting something, driving you somewhere, picking you up at the airport, or any other type of favor where you need a hand.

Those types of individuals seem to put the “finishing touches” on life. They demonstrate the love of God and compassion. By the way, the word “compassion” in the Greek language means seeing a need and doing whatever you can to alleviate it. They define the difference between “a friend” and “a GOOD friend!” This world could use a lot more “good friends.” I hope you will consider being one. The first thing it takes is for you to give “your” concerns to God and trust him with them. The second is it takes opening your eyes to see others and what they are facing. Third, caring enough about them to do something. Put the finishing touches on someone else’s life.

Some friendships do not last, but some friends are more loyal than brothers.
Prov. 18:24 (GNT)

Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, just as you are in fact doing.
1 Thes. 5:11 (NET)

For if they fall, one will help his companion up, but pity the person who falls down and has no one to help him up. Ecc. 4:10 (NET)

Be devoted to one another with mutual love, showing eagerness in honoring one another.
Rom. 12:10 (NET)

Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless—cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God’s words; if help, let it be God’s hearty help. That way, God’s bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he’ll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything—encores to the end of time. Oh, yes! 1 Pt. 4:7-11 (MSG)

Copyright © 2025 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

Misty Eyed

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“Where do you want to eat lunch?” asked Charlie. “I don’t care,” said his wife. They wound up at a taco place all the way across town from where they live. While in the middle of their meal, several people jumped up and started looking out the windows. Charlie got up to see what they were looking at. A homeless man and woman were fighting. The man left and the woman started crying and walking toward the restaurant with her bike.

Another couple, Justin and Emily, ran out the door to the woman. Her name was Misty. She was in hysterics. “He stole all of my money,” she said. They started calming her down and invited her inside the restaurant. Justin went to get her some food and a drink. Emily talked to her.

Charlie and his wife wanted to help. Later, Justin went back up to the counter. He was trying to purchase Misty a gift card so she could get more food later. Charlie said he would pay for it, but he learned the machine wasn’t working. So he told Justin he would go down the street to a convenience store to get a gift card. That way, Misty could buy food and drinks later.

When Charlie returned, he gave the card to Misty. She started crying. Charlie hugged her and then said, “God wanted to love on you today. You see, my wife and I could have gone anywhere to eat lunch, but we came here, and we live all the way on the other side of town. God wanted to show you that He knows you and cares about you and what you are going through.”

Justin led them in a prayer for Misty. Charlie hugged Misty again, even though she smelled as if she could use a shower. Emily continued making out a list of items Misty could use to make life a little easier.

On the way home, Charlie asked his wife why she didn’t join in ministering to Misty. She said, “I didn’t know what to say, and you all were handling it.” Charlie paused and then said, “Just being there says a lot. And you could have also hugged Misty. A lot of homeless people miss the feeling, the connection of a human touch. You go to Bible studies, but today was an opportunity to apply it.”

Look around in life. See the needs. Have compassion and do whatever you can to alleviate the need. That’s what the word “compassion” means in the Greek language, and that is what Jesus did.

But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. Mat. 9:36 (NKJV)

Copyright © 2024 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

Show God Cares

/ Mark Brady / 2 Comments

It amazes me still, how God can lead our steps, and direct our timing so we will be where he needs us to be, to work with him in showing love, support, and encouragement to others. He cares so much for people and what they are going through that He will position his servants where He needs them.

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.
Ps. 37:23 (KJV)

April and I were talking about this subject last week. I reminded her of one thing; you have to see the people and recognize the need. It may mean your own agenda gets interrupted, or you may get behind, but showing God’s love is more important.

I remember one time I had taken the wrong road to get to Walmart. I was angry with myself because I had gone the slow way when I was in a hurry! When I arrived I looked over and saw an older woman struggling to remove packs of soda from her cart. I went and asked if I could help her.  She let me. Then she asked, “Where did you come from any way?” I replied, “God sent me!” The look on her face was priceless. One of amazement realizing, perhaps for the first time, God cared!

Show the world how much He cares about them and even the little things of their life. The results may be eternal life, for them!

Copyright © 2022 Mark Brady.  All rights reserved.

Jesus Wept

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“Jesus Wept” statue at the site of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, OK. 4-19-1995

As a child growing up in church, the title of this post, John 11:35, was my favorite verse to quote.  I think the reason is obvious.  Saying it with accuracy would help earn me a candy bar, or something.  But these days, it has a whole new meaning.

These days, I know why Jesus wept.  I was taught it was because his good friend Lazarus had died, but I don’t believe that anymore, for Jesus already knew he was going to raise him from the dead.  Verse 4; When Jesus heard this, he said, “This sickness will not lead to death, but to God’s glory, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” (NET)

Jesus wept because the people, and his friends, who had lost their loved one were hurting.  My point to telling you this is Jesus hurts when you are hurting too, even today.  Jesus sees you, knows your name and knows what you are going through now and will go through in the future.

Verse 32 Now when Mary came to the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” 33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the people who had come with her weeping, he was intensely moved in spirit and greatly distressed. (NET)

When you are hurting, distressed, be confident that Jesus knows, he cares, and he can’t wait for you to invite him to do something about it.  It’s true, he holds the whole world in his hands, but he’s holding you as well.  Now rest in that knowledge.

Copyright © 2019 Mark Brady.  All rights reserved.