Life LaunchMentoringStand in the GapStand in the Gap for WidowsUncategorizedWomen in Transition

10 Little Things That Make a Big Difference

By July 15, 2026No Comments
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Many of us want to help.

Many of us want to make a difference in the world. Many of us want to follow God’s instruction to care for the widow, orphan, and prisoner.

The problem is that many of us are busy, overwhelmed by the needs in our community, and unsure what we could do that would make an impact.

In 25+ years of connecting people in need with people who care, here’s what we’ve learned; it’s the small things in a relationship that make the biggest difference. If you know a widow, orphan, or prisoner (or anyone experiencing crisis, relational poverty or a major life transition) you can impact his or her life in profound ways by taking simple actions.

We asked our program staff (i.e. the experts) to make a list of 10 little things that make a big difference. Here’s what they recommend.

1

Attend the major moments.

Whether it’s a graduation or a court hearing, you’d be surprised by how many people experience big things in their lives alone.
For example, if you know a woman working to pay her fines or reunite with her children after incarceration, she will have to go to court. A friendly face and simple show of support in the courtroom speaks volumes.
Whether the moment is celebratory or mandatory, offer to be present.
2

Get to know their kids.

When a parent experiences crisis, their kids feel the fallout. All kids need other safe adults to take interest in their lives. Go watch the game. Fix a meal together. Practice for the spelling test.
Few things make a mom feel more loved than people loving her kids.
When possible, plug in to the whole family.
3

Don't make vague offers.

A generic “Let me know if you need anything.” is easy to offer, but hard to follow up on.
When offering to help someone in need, get to know the needs they have, then make specific offers. For example, a ride to work, meal train organization, or a couple hours of babysitting are all concrete ideas that are easier to accept.
4

Celebrate strengths, accomplishments, and milestones.

Birthdays, graduations, sobriety milestones, and wedding anniversaries are all moments that should be acknowledged.
Do you know how many Life Launch teams have thrown their mentee’s first birthday party?
Whether you buy a cake or not, check in on important days to let the person know he or she is on your mind.
Even on less important days, notice the person's strengths and affirm them! Naming and celebrating a person's good qualities is life giving.
5

Send a quick text.

On a random day, at a random time, send a text that says, “I’m thinking about you. How are you doing?”
Do not assume that someone else is speaking life into them.
6

Plan coffee or a meal together.

Relationships develop around a table.
Invite the person to share a meal or coffee, ask how she’s doing, and then really listen to the answer.
7

Sit together.

If you attend church together, ask if you can sit together.
For widows returning to church or anyone attending a church for the first time, an invitation to sit together can address one of the common reasons people opt not to attend.
8

Take interest.

Take interest in what interests them.
When someone else asks questions about your hobbies, passions, or curiosities, how do you feel? By taking time to ask questions about the interests of another person, you are taking time to make them feel knowledgeable, interesting, and seen. You are calling out the good. Taking interest in the interests of another person is like water for a flower. Just watch it grow!
9

Pray.

Whether you tell them you are or not, pray for the person. This is the simplest, biggest thing you can do for someone else. Take their concerns to the feet of God and surrender any desire you may have to take control.
10

Do it again.

Small actions made consistently over time can change lives.

Take action today.

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