Have you ever seen videos online where a person shows up to an event for their sibling unexpectedly and surprises them? I recently got on the algorithm of surprise homecomings, kids surprising their parents after studying abroad for a year, a sibling showing up to her sister’s championship basketball game while being in college across the country, and many other variations of this theme. The look on the faces of the surprised always makes me smile, sometimes even cry depending on the video because it is such a wide range of emotion. You see the instant shock that sometimes looks like confusion that then becomes tears of joy and sometimes you can even feel a sense of relief.
These videos all have different scenarios, you don’t see the backstory, or the history of the relationship, but in that 30 to 60-second clip, the common theme is that they showed up. As believers, we are called to love and serve others and be a light.
Sometimes showing up can be scary because we may not have the answers or know the words to say during difficult situations, but by just showing up, by being there physically, emotionally, or spiritually, speaks volumes.
How can we show up for our people? – The Importance of Showing Up
Be There Physically
This may take some sacrifice on your end. States can separate you or schedules are busy, but I would challenge you to be creative and find a way to show up to an event or make a sacrifice to be there in times of need.
Sometimes showing up isn’t convenient for us and our schedule, but the impact of physically being there for someone may do more for that person than you will ever realize.
Be a Listening Ear
If you can’t be there physically, give them a phone call and check-in. Listen to what is going on in their life and offer words of encouragement. If there is a big event, you can always send flowers, a gift, or a card offering support.
There have been difficult times in my life when my friends who lived in other states still showed up for me without being physically present and were intentional with phone calls, words of encouragement, and prayers. Showing up for your people doesn’t always require you to be physically present.
We can still show up even when we are miles away.
Pray For Them
Be intentional in praying for your family and friends. I strongly believe in the power of prayer and bringing not only our struggles but the struggles of others to God.
I know especially during this season, there is a wide spectrum of emotions that people are feeling from anxiety and loneliness to hopefulness and excitement for what’s ahead.
Even if you are not sure of the words to say or what to do, show up. Be there to offer support, to be a listening ear and a familiar face in the crowd. The times that we show up leave a lasting impact. People remember who was there for them from the lowest of lows to the highest of highs and everything in between.
