Elevated Friday, July 31st, 2020

Happy Elevated Friday! Today we highlight a story of people changing their behavior in this challenging time to support their neighbors. We’ve all felt some sort of pain during this COVID era, but one group who has felt the pain most acutely are small business owners and employees. With so many being forced to close indefinitely or operate on diminished capacity, times have been tough. But a new survey shows that Americans have changed their behavior to support these small businesses, and thereby, their neighbors and communities. Seven in 10 Americans polled have changed their buying habits away from bigger corporations and chosen to buy small. The average person has actively supported 10 small businesses with their purchases. In addition, people have been using their extra time to leave positive reviews online for small businesses – another boost to those local companies. Whether it has been in restaurants, gyms, nail salons, or boutiques, these companies have been buoyed by individual people making the decision to support them in their time of need.

We’re called to love our neighbors by Jesus and part of that is supporting them in their time of need. When we choose to spend our money in local small businesses, we do exactly that. Proverbs says, “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.” When it comes to helping others -- when we can, we must. Today, be a blessing to your community by supporting those who need it.

“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.” – Proverbs 3:27 NIV

Original Article:

https://bit.ly/2DhX6UE