https://odb.org/2025/11/17/christ-based-connection
Proverbs 12: 21-28 NIV: 21 No harm overtakes the righteous, but the wicked have their fill of trouble. 22 The Lord detests lying lips, but he delightsi in people who are trustworthy. 23 The prudent keep their knowledge to themselves, but a fool’s heart blurts out folly. 24 Diligent hands will rule, but t laziness ends in forced labor. 25 Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up. 26 The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray. 27 The lazy do not roast any game, but the diligent feed on the riches of the hunt. 28 In the way of righteousness there is life; along that path is immortality.
Could eight minutes change someone’s life? In a world where meaningful connections can be rare, author Jancee Dunn proposes the power of an eight-minute phone call. She believes such brief calls can help us connect with family and friends. Studies show that such calls a few times a week help reduce depression, loneliness, and anxiety. And Dunn cites the research of other experts who affirm that minor relationship adjustments can profoundly affect our well-being and that of others. (Marvin Williams, Our Daily Bread 17 November 2025)
Proverbs 12:25 teaches that anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up. There is a strong case to be made that as we encourage others with words of comfort and understanding, it will reduce depression, loneliness and anxiety. Perhaps a word of encouragement when in church or if we meet elsewhere. But ultimately, a call works best because our voice is heard and this may be done even if we are far away in another city. In this day and age when people just text, a phone call may work wonders as suggested by Marvin Williams in today’s ODB, an eight-minute phone call.
But if it’s less convenient to speak like in an open office environment which is the norm nowadays, texting is good enough. When we personally text another, we show that we care and that we’re thinking of that person. It could just be a hello message asking about their children. Of course, in texting we meet all sorts of people. Some will reply immediately while there are those who reply only after a few days. At the other extreme, there are the few who never reply. Just pure silence. But even if we wish to call, nowadays the protocol is to text first to call. So we could rarely avoid texting.
As believers, the least we could do for our fellow believers and church members is to pray for them and encourage them in their faith. Church communities don’t exist in a vacuum or in silos. It is koinonia. It’s a fellowship of believers coming together to learn the Word and worship God. In fact as I’ve said before, just attending and showing up is already an encouragement!
Have a good week ahead, everyone! May we dwell in the glory of His presence as we face and tackle issues of life and at work! May the LORD grant us wisdom and discernment always! Amen
P/s
I like to report that after months of negotiations and fine tuning, we are finally scheduled to sign today a key collaboration agreement that forms the core cloud business of my company! Praise the Lord for His goodness and support all this while. Many a times when I was stuck, I prayed and He gave me ideas to resolve impasse situations.
Ronnie's Thoughts 