Holding Hands, etc.

May I have permission to say it? You don’t know near as much as you think you know about someone else’s circumstances. I recently visited a friend whose young daughter was in a terrible accident. In that horrific moment, it appeared her life just might be taken from her. And this father’s fear was overwhelming… the possible loss… As we talked, his thoughts went back to the Sandy Hook drama. He thought he had felt real compassion on those families that lost children that day. He thought his heart really broke for them. But now, today, now that he’s tasted what felt like a close call, he realizes he had no idea the depth of the pain that came from the Sandy Hook shootings and deaths.

You haven’t walked a mile in anyone’s shoes…

Whether it’s the death of a spouse or news of cancer, it’s shockingly different for every one. Don’t pretend to know. Even if you’ve gone through something similar, you don’t understand how it has affected them.

But … you can still hold a hand. Cry with them. Hug them. Pray over them. And just sit with them for a bit. Send a card. Make that phone call even when you don’t know what to say – be willing to listen. Bring a dinner…. And stay. And remember them long after everyone else has moved on.

·        Never far from my thoughts and prayers… as your journey continues

·        You are on my heart and mind so often… remembering you today in prayer

·        We can make it through this chapter in life… together