Over the course of my adult life, I’ve experienced various kinds of struggles and known people around me who have experienced various kinds of struggles.

This series of articles is not to tell you about my struggles past or present, but to share some lessons I’ve learned and continue to learn when facing struggles.

Today, I’d like to share with you one thing I’ve learned when facing struggles and that is this:

A listening ear goes a long way.

I think it can be quite easy to make assumptions, judge, or give unsolicited, or just plain bad advice to those who are facing struggles.

Yet, I’d argue that nothing is more important than a listening ear.

This last few weeks alone, I’ve had several good friends, my life coach/mentor, and a pastor serve as listening ears for me.

I can’t express fully or adequately in one email how invaluable their time, attention, care, and prayers have been…but it’s been HUGE for me.

When someone listens to me, I feel heard, seen, known, valued, and even loved on a level that is so important when I’m facing struggles.

To clarify, I’m not advocating for perfect listening skills, but at least a willingness to patiently take time to listen to someone…to hear them out..to understand their story…

While on this topic, let me say that as a man of faith that I believe the most perfect Listener is God, Our Creator. Here are some helpful reminders of His posture towards us:

He is the one who is always there. “I am with you always” – Matthew 28:20

He is the one who always cares. “Even to your old age, I am He, and even to gray hairs, I will carry you!” – Isaiah 46:4

He is the one who will always be available to listen. “The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth.” – Psalm 145:

In conclusion,

When you face struggles, do you have people who will take time to listen to you?

And how are you at reaching out and taking time to listen to a family member, friend, neighbor, or acquaintance going through struggles?

Who can you send this article to and encourage to be a better listener?

Let’s thrive through better listening!