The other day, I received an e-mail from a friend whom I consider my best friend forever.

Her message entailed of her talk with God that morning. She mentioned that upon her visit with God, she asked him to stop by my house. How beautiful is that to have someone’s prayer include you.

In the old gospel hymns there is a song that reminded me of her action in the e-mail. The song’s chorus says “somebody prayed for me, I must have been on their minds, they took a little time and prayed for me.”

It is so nice to know that there are people who have your back when it comes to praying; someone who cares about your well being.

Although the word “care” seems to be such a simple, minute word, it carries a lot of weight and has such a big meaning. To “care for” simply means that you are connecting with an individual in an emotional way. It means that you have made it your business to be aware of how that person is fairing.

Most of the time, caring presents itself in a spiritual way; whereas, it’s an emotion that comes straight from the heart. A person who says they care pays special attention to your inner feeling and wishes you well.

Can you say someone cares for you? Or can you say you care for someone? When you say or hear these words, don’t use or receive them in vain. They are powerful words in their small capacity. The two words only have five characters or letters and don’t take up much space on a piece of paper, but written alone on a sheet or piece of paper, the message is powerful and comes straight from the heart.

When someone says they care, it’s usually because someone has felt or experienced your pain and can relate to the sadness you are going through. If you really look at most sympathy cards, you know that they are geared around the word care.

They give you a sense of assurance that make you feel that no matter what you going through, there is someone else who relates to your experience and cares for you.

Everyone, at one time or another, needs to have the assurance that someone cares for them. I say this because if you are alive, rich or poor, there comes a time or specific event in your life that causes you to feel left out or being pushed to the brink of despair.

These events can be anything; from something as small as having a flat tire or something as big as experiencing the death of a loved one.

Although life has its minor, as well as major, tragedies, a word of care can mean so much when it is said during these times.

It is a blessed assurance to know that there are others who care about you and can feel your pain. In the word of God (the Bible), Jesus said He cares for you and when no one ever says these words to you, always know that there is a God and He cares for you, no matter what your circumstance is.

Today, write these words — “I care” — down on a piece of paper and give it to someone. Watch their response.

Beverly Gibson is a Ferriday resident.