It's very evident that our world is going through some very trying times, and it has affected everyone to some degree. Tension, fear, and disunity are at an all-time high. In short, our world is hurting right now. People are hurting. People are angry. People are living in fear. In a time like these, we can either focus on the problem or focus on being a part of a solution to the hurt, fear, and tensions around us.

It doesn't cost you anything to be a part of a solution. You don't need a title, position, or money in order to answer the call of bringing peace, calm, and hope to a hurting people around you. One of the frequently asked questions in times like these is, how can I help, or how I can support others that are hurting.

If that's you and you want to be a part of the solution, then I encourage you to start right where you are, with what you have.

Create Intentional Conversations

Create opportunities for people of different races to come together in a safe place to have open dialogue and conversation about what's going on in our country. It doesn't have to be a lot of people to be effective. It can be a very small group or simply two people coming together to talk. This provides an outlet and time to hear from different perspectives and views. It's not a time to judge or debate or to push one's own beliefs. It's simply using the power of conversation to open up awareness and bring an understanding of how others are feeling and what they are going through and why. It also empowers you as a listener to learn from others by hearing their heart and views on the current events that the world is facing.

Here are some tips on creating opportunities for people to come together and talk. Always let them know you want to have some open dialogue and conversation about the current events. Make them aware that it will be a safe place and ways to explore solutions and how each can be a part.

• Send an email to some co-workers inviting them out for lunch.

• Invite some of your neighbors over to sit out on the back or front porch. Porch conversations are simply awesome.

• Reach out to someone of a different race than you and invite him or her out for coffee or lunch. This will provide the one on one conversation and dialogue from a different perspective, which fosters learning from each other, and understanding that may not have been there before.

Encourage One Person Every Day

Everyone needs encouragement at one time or another. There's a lot going on in our world that has brought discouragement to the minds and hearts of many people. With the uncertainty of what our world will look like from day to day, it causes so many to lose heart and hope for a better tomorrow.

If you are taking the time to read this article, then you have time and everything you need in order to spread some encouragement, love, and hope to others around you. What I mean by that is that this is an online article, and you are reading it from your smartphone, iPad, or computer. This means you can easily spread encouragement immediately after reading this.

• Send someone an encouraging text message.

• Call someone and actually have a conversation filled with hope and encouragement.

• Send an email.

• Post something very encouraging on your social media.

Let's face it; social media has the potential to become very toxic during turbulent times. People often use their social media to spew out their opinions and anger by debating with people they will never come face to face with. In short, it emboldens people to be bullies online and continue to spread so much anger and hate. The next time you make a social media post, think about it as a powerful platform that can be a part of the solution that brings healing and hope to hurting people.

Once again, everybody needs encouragement.

Spread Love Like a WildFire

Love is the greatest commandment. It has the power to change the lives of those around us. When you love others, it is unconditional and requires no repayment from the recipient. Love is a very powerful force that can change a life, touch a heart, and bring people of different backgrounds and colors together in unity.

"Hate cannot drive out hate. Only love can do that." ~ Martin Luther King Jr.

If you are a person of faith, then it is imperative to walk out the scriptures and be a part of the solution that showers this world with love, one person at a time. Showing the love of God to a hurting and a discouraged person is a part of your Christian faith and journey in life.

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this, all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:34-35).

"This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you" (John 15:12).

It doesn't take much to reach out and encourage someone or to do something that will put a smile on their face and a little joy in their heart. It doesn't take much to be a part of the solution. This world needs encouragement, hope, and healing, and you are the perfect candidate to be a part of bringing that solution to hurting people every single day.

Here are a few take away thoughts to remember as you embark on your own journey of being a part of the solution to making this world a better place.

Smile - It has the potential to brighten someone's day.

Listen - Create opportunities for all people to come together and have meaningful dialogue that brings understanding, healing, and solutions.

Love - It's better than hate and has the power to change the world. Besides that, God commanded us to do it.

This world needs you.

Hurting people need you.

Angry people need you.

Discouraged people need you.

Go out and be a part of the solution today!