Join Others, Show You Care

Gold Brush Stroke

Today I visited a friend whose husband recently passed away. Other obligations will prevent me from attending the visitation and memorial service and I wanted to do something to express our family’s concern for her and her children.

Offering a casserole and a hug seemed the least I could do. Yet I still feel horrible that I can’t be there for the family tomorrow in their time of biggest need.

That wasn’t always how I felt about reaching out to those in mourning though. For years, I’d do almost anything to avoid those difficult circumstances.Caring

Facing the grief, the sadness, the tears scared me. I was never quite sure what to say when people faced terrible losses and wondered if my words would make the pain worse.

I still am somewhat scared, and I’m still not quite sure what to say. But in the past few years I’ve come to realize the importance of joining others in their pain.

I’ve discovered I don’t need to have all the answers, or any for that matter. What’s important is that I care and show that in a tangible way.

Simply hanging out with someone grieving—offering food, a simple gift, a hug, a listening ear is enough.

And as the darkness of grief begins to lift, join in their journey of living as well. Show them you care.

It can make all the difference.

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up as you are already doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

Share in the Discussion: Is there someone who needs you to join them in their grief right now, or perhaps in their living? Does doing so come easy or hard for you?

Linking with Lisa-Jo on the prompt, JOIN, for

Five Minute Friday

 

By His Grace,

Julie

9 Comments

  1. Jacque Watkins @ Mercy Found Me on August 25, 2012 at 12:56 am

    “I’ve discovered I don’t need to have all the answers, or any for that matter. What’s important is that I care and show that in a tangible way…” Yes and YES, this is SO true. Just to be with them and love on them is so very powerful. I just love your heart for others, to walk quietly by their side in grief and build relationship to one day share joy. Just beautiful!

    • juliesunne on August 25, 2012 at 7:52 am

      Thanks, Jacque, for the kind words. We all need to love a little more.

  2. Jacque Watkins on August 25, 2012 at 12:56 am

    “I’ve discovered I don’t need to have all the answers, or any for that matter. What’s important is that I care and show that in a tangible way…” Yes and YES, this is SO true. Just to be with them and love on them is so very powerful. I just love your heart for others, to walk quietly by their side in grief and build relationship to one day share joy. Just beautiful!

  3. Kelly on August 25, 2012 at 7:11 am

    I love this post. I’m not good at talking to people who are grieving, but I need to get better. Thanks for this. (from 5 Min Friday)

    • juliesunne on August 25, 2012 at 8:17 am

      It can be difficult and uncomfortable, Kelly, but when we reach out anyway, much of that anxiety dissipates. Thanks for visiting.

  4. Liz on August 25, 2012 at 10:24 am

    Loved this – I’m often so scared of saying or doing the wrong thing that I just don’t say or do anything. And that’s certainly not showing that I care. Thank you for the reminder!

    • juliesunne on August 25, 2012 at 11:28 am

      I understand completely, Liz!

  5. Wendy on August 25, 2012 at 10:44 am

    “I was never quite sure what to say when people faced terrible losses and wondered if my words would make the pain worse.” This is so true to what I have felt in the past and still struggle with the words at time. What I have learned is that sometimes words are necessary. That just being near and available to those who have lost is enough. Thanks so much for sharing this today! Blessings!

    • juliesunne on August 25, 2012 at 11:31 am

      You are welcome, Wendy. I think there are many of us who struggle with this issue. Thank you for stopping by.

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Julie Sunne

Hello, I'm Julie, an imperfect wife and mother of four. Life in this broken world is not always easy. Yet, joy can be found in each day through the grace and mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ.

I find it's easy for our day's blessings to get lost in its happenings. But God's "mercies never end" (Lamentations 3:22) and His "grace is sufficient" (2 Corinthians 12:9).

May the posts and pages on this site offer you a measure of peace and encouragement.

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