BubbleBabble

Dear friend,

Today, I was invited to be a judge at a speech contest. Eight students stood on stage — nervous, brave, and ready to share their voices. The topic was “Learning from Failure.” Each of them spoke beautifully. Their delivery was strong, their message was clear, and everyone clapped warmly when they finished. Considering that this was a speech contest for English as a Second Language learners, I truly felt they did an amazing job.

As I watched their faces, I could tell they all tried their best. And really, it was just a school contest — how serious could it be? Yet, sometimes what feels small to us can mean the world to someone else.

Later, during the feedback session, I sat with each student one by one. Before saying anything about their speeches, I always start with a simple question:
“How are you feeling?”

When I asked one student, she paused. She hesitated. Her eyes began to fill with tears, though she tried to hold them back. And there it was — that fragile, honest moment where words didn’t matter as much as presence. I felt my own eyes sting too. I couldn’t pray out loud since it was a school setting, but in my heart, I whispered, “Jesus, please show Your love through me. Let her feel seen.”

Sometimes, that’s all we can do.
And sometimes, that’s everything.

You really never know what someone is carrying inside — even those who seem composed, smiling, or “doing fine.” We may underplay a situation that feels small to us, yet it could be heavy for someone else. The smallest question, “How are you feeling?” can open the door to healing, connection, and comfort.

Jesus calls us to love others not only in grand gestures but in gentle ones — through kindness, presence, and listening. When we check in with someone, we’re offering more than words; we’re offering warmth, safety, and care that reflects His heart.

So today, I hope you pause and ask someone — or even yourself — “How are you feeling?”
It’s such a simple act, but love often speaks most clearly in whispers.

“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”
— Romans 12:15

With love,