Think about a time you were hurting. Maybe you had a bad day or were going through a breakup or a loss of a loved one. Think about a time someone offered you words of encouragement or sympathy and however sweet they may have been, they did not make you feel any better.

Sometimes words are not enough. Sometimes you need proof that things will actually be okay, that you will be happy, smile, and laugh again.

I, too, have been there. Although it is hard to be in a position of suffering, sometimes it is even harder to see those you love try so hard to be there for you, but it just does not help. This is what it has been like for me living with depression for the last seven years. Sometimes words just sound like empty promises and forced concern.

Do not get me wrong, your attempt to show me you care and want to be there is appreciated, really, it is. It just does not fix the brokenness or make the pain go away. And sometimes I can really fail to express this, for that I apologize. As much as you want to help me, and as much as I want to be helped, there is not much for one to do. But here is what you can do: act.

What do I mean by that? Act.

I mean give me a hug, write me a letter, send up a prayer for me, or simply smile at me in passing. Friends, this is not only what I need, but it is probably what you need, too. We all hurt; we all are battling something, so let's act; let's love.

Actions speak louder than words.

It is a phrase we have probably heard a million times, but it is true. It is much more true than we allow it to be. I promise that someone's day will be even just a little better if you are there for them and show them you care. We do not always have the right words to say, and like I have already mentioned, even the right words do not always have the right effect. So act. Love. Be a friend.

There is so much hurt and darkness in the world, and it is time that we start spreading some light. What we say may not make much a difference, but what we do will. I promise. We are all called to be the light to this dark world. We need to be the change we want to see in this world.

The next time you see someone looking down, ask them how they are, beam a smile in their direction, or give them a compliment. It is amazing what these simple actions will do. We may not be able to solve all the world's problems and take away the pain and suffering in whole, but we can start with the people we encounter every day.

Be the change you wish to see in the world, and be the light in the midst of the darkness. You never know whose life will be a little bit better because of it.