3:33 am

Yes, it is 3:33 am as I look at my phone. Why am I on my phone at this hour?

If I wake up in the middle of the night, I check my phone. As random as it sounds, I check for many reasons. For starters, I have an adult child who travels and sometimes there is a late night text from him. It feels good to let him know I’m there even if it’s just a simple one word answer.

Next, there is a friend who battles insomnia so again, just a quick reply does wonders when they are battling so much more than me at this hour. There is also the teen child who doesn’t seem to have a normal sleep pattern currently that I need to check on to make sure all is as good as it can be.

And then there is the unknown: when somebody may need something. An undefined emergency of some sort.

What does that mean? Well, tonight an online acquaintance, a female friend I don’t see everyday, a connection in my life, shared a brutally honest post about her pain and struggles. I felt a calling to offer hope through positive action at that moment without hesitation. Fortunately I wasn’t the only one there for her but then I thought to myself: not everyone has that same network, do they? I may be the only one to hear that voice.

Offering hope is simple. It’s free. It’s not hard to do. It’s just being there for somebody. Showing support in the darkest of times. Uncomfortable? Maybe, but starting these conversations is uncomfortable for most.

We never know when somebody is in a dark space and they can’t see their way out. We need to be avid listeners. We might need to hear the words or read the words one speaks more carefully. Never ignore a cry for help! In today’s digital age, a cry for help doesn’t always come in person or by phone call. A cry may be a post on social media, a comment hidden in a group text, a scar on one’s body, or other visual signs you might find easier to ignore than to inquire about.

Remember, you may be the only person who hears the cry. How you respond may help a person come out of the darkness or may just let them see enough light to fight another day. However, inaction may be tragic.

I watched a video recently about how everyone will ask how somebody is doing if they haven’t posted online for days but nobody notices when someone is struggling in plain sight. Interesting but true. Keep your antennas up and offer hope to anyone who may need it.

Timing is crucial. If you see a sign, don’t hesitate. Being nice can never be frowned upon but living with guilt of inaction can add years of regret to your life.

Being positive and friendly is definitely free but it might be the one thing that can truly benefit a person in need.

Be kind today. Do a good deed. Make conversation with somebody you normally wouldn’t talk to today. Honor my friend in spirit. Be a warrior for her.

We all have the ability to inspire others. If you inspired somebody today, drop us a note so we can celebrate with you. We have the power to impact many through this blog and we want to make an impact on you!

xoxoxoxo to all the warriors who read this blog today, tomorrow and the many days ahead.