"You can't believe what a smile can do to a broken heart," compassionately declares "Jude," a member of the TWR Women of Hope Arabic team.  As Jude comes in contact with Middle Eastern women who have been beaten and abused, she prays for them and then smiles at them.  She says, "it really matters to them that you see them ... and that you see their pain."  Jude is following the example of Jesus.  For instance, take note of the actions of Jesus as He encountered the woman in Nain whose son had just died:

"A funeral procession was coming out as he approached the village gate. The young man who had died was a widow’s only son, and a large crowd from the village was with her.  When the Lord saw her, his heart overflowed with compassion. 'Don’t cry!' he said.  Then he walked over to the coffin and touched it, and the bearers stopped. 'Young man,' he said, 'I tell you, get up.'  Then the dead boy sat up and began to talk!  And Jesus gave him back to his mother." (Luke 17:12-15 NLT)

While it's not likely that we will be raising a parent's dead child in the near future, we can imitate Jesus by at least looking with compassion at those who are hurting.  And as we caringly look them in the eyes, let's also follow the lead of Jude and simply offer a smile.  In many, if not most cases, it will make a difference.

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(Photo of "Jude" being interviewed by Andy Napier)