What can you do?

The last few days, maybe even longer, it seems there's an abundance of bad news in the world. The world has lost some entertainment icons--Ed, Farrah, Michael. Not that I was a huge fan, but they were talented individuals that played a particular role in our society's history, and their loss will be felt by many. But on a different level, the bad news is piling up all around me. Friends dealing with job loss, serious illness, divorce, addictions, and so many other issues I could go on and on. I don't believe I've ever known a time like this before, with so much going on with so many. A high tide of sorrows, if you will. It makes me feel helpless. I'm not sure what to do for people I care about, who are struggling with BIG issues.
I can pray.
OK so maybe I sound like a refrigerator magnet, but prayer changes things. I don't want to get in to discussions or arguments over religion and God. That's not my point here at this time. My point is, we're all here to help each other. To do whatever good we can, where we can. But I wonder if I take enough time to let the people around me know that I care? That while it may not appear on the outside that I'm doing much, I'm there somewhere in the background, praying for you and your situation. It may be while I'm doing dishes, or folding towels, or waiting in line at the grocery store. It may be in the middle of the night when I can't sleep, which seems to be often lately. Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night with a strong need to pray for someone. Sometimes I find out later they really needed it. Sometimes I don't.
Maybe prayer isn't your thing, and while I highly recommend it, that's ok if it isn't. Maybe you can make a meal for someone. Maybe you can do their dishes or mow their lawn. Maybe you can drive them to a doctor apointment. Maybe you can just sit with them, BE with them, so they're not alone.
I just saw a news report on tv about a rescued elephant and a stray dog that became best friends. The dog became ill and the elephant stood outside the building where the dog was being treated, until the dog was well enough to be brought to her friend. I thought to myself, "That's what it's all about." The elephant did what good she could.
Be the elephant.