There was a wounded gal standing on the sidelines, covered in loneliness, poor self-image and fear. She was surrounded by great people who all said “Hi, how are you” before moving on to their friends. They had no time to listen to her answers.

One lady told her to stop moping around, get her act together and join the crowd. Another invited her to the mall but the gal couldn’t keep up with the money, the crowds and the noises.

Finally another woman gave her a hug and asked, “How are you really doing?” She sat down with her and listened, really listened as she shared her loneliness, heartache and assorted other troubles. They spent a quiet hour together. “Don’t worry,” said her new friend. ‘We will get through this together. You can count on me.’

“A Samaritan traveling the road came on him. When he saw the man’s condition, his heart went out to him. He gave him first aid, disinfecting and bandaging his wounds. Then he lifted him onto his donkey, led him to an inn, and made him comfortable. In the morning he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, and ‘Take good care of him. If it costs any more, put it on my bill—I’ll pay you on my way back.’ (Luke 10:33-35, MSG)