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Richard Rohr has me rethinking a part of Scripture. He says that when “Doubting Thomas” touched the wounds of Jesus it was less about reassuring doubt and more about Thomas’ willingness to touch someone’s wounds. It changed Thomas, not Jesus. When we are willing to be with someone who is in pain and feel their wounds, it might be good for them, but it might change us forever.

That kind of empathy cracks open our hearts to make room for love.

Right now in Florida, Tennessee, and North Carolina, people have been hit by devastating floods, loss of life, food, homes, and electricity. They are literally cut off from help in many areas. How can we touch those wounds? Perhaps we can send money to those who can actually reach people. It’s overwhelming to see the pictures of that area. So much of our world is in that kind of desperation. We can pray, we can give, and if we are close enough geographically, we can offer help.

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But how do we practice touching wounds closer to home? Here are some things I’ve tried:

Listening is free and means a great deal in today’s world of virtual friendships. Having a person sit and listen to you is like gold.Volunteer to visit people who can’t leave their homes. You can do this through hospices or care homes. They are always looking for help.Send someone you know who is hurting a note of encouragement. I remember getting one of those at a very low point in my life and it reminded me I was not alone.If you can afford it, send someone who is struggling some money, a gift card, or a care package. We’ve had several friends in this situation lately, and it can mean a great deal to let them know we haven’t forgotten them, that they are valued.Animal shelters are always looking for dog walkers.A phone call is still a blessing to an older person. A text to a young one with words of affirmation is never unwelcome.Are your fruit trees producing? Put the extras in a free box on the sidewalk and watch them disappear.Clean out your closets and donate the items someone else might need this winter.Have you finished a book lately? Put it in a little library for someone else to read.Volunteer to write postcards reminding people to vote. Who knows, it might help heal some of the bigger wounds we face in the world.

I’d love to hear how you are touching someone’s wounds or how someone has touched yours! Together we can make the world a kinder place.

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