Comfort One Another
Comfort one another. But how do you comfort another person? Do you find yourself at a loss for words when tragedy strikes someone you know? What do you say to a friend who is grieving after the death of a loved one?
As I watch the news, it seems there are more and more tragedies occurring lately. I don’t know if it’s that information is spread so rapidly online. Or is it that we are witnessing people in this world openly acting out what’s in their hearts?
- A 29 year old woman in a rage randomly shoots people she doesn’t even know
- A man recently released from prison and wanted for a probation violation opens fire on police, killing a detective leaving behind a wife and three young children
I look at the innocent faces of the children in our preschool. They haven’t faced tragedies and sorrow yet. I watch as they play on the playground. At times they make believe they are characters from the recent movie “Frozen”. One child pretends to be Elsa, the snow queen while another takes the role of Anna, her little sister. They prance around and act out what they’ve observed in the movie.
The other day they were pretending it was nap time. They congregated under the playground equipment. One of the little girls was a student who was trying to lie quietly while the other girls were the teachers. It was so cute to see them rubbing her back and comforting her so she could more easily fall asleep. How sweet to see them imitate what they observe in our classroom from their teachers.
Sometimes that’s all that is needed.
- A comforting arm when no words can truly comfort
- A listening ear with no expectations
- A hug
- A prayer
- A written card
- A phone call
A friend recently went through an assault on her family. As she was driving home with her daughters after school, she noticed the sky with the clouds and sun peeking through. She took a photo as the clouds looked like two hands making a little heart. It was a timely reminder to her that God loves her. I love how the Lord can even use His creation to comfort us.
I know what it feels like to lose a parent. My mother died several years ago. I have a friend who lost her son in an auto accident. She knows what it feels like to lose a son.
We have all experienced loss and tragedy in some way. What comforted you? What would you suggest to people who don’t know what to say or do?
Blessings and love,
Nice post Debbie.
After the miscarriages what helped me many times was when people remembered and let me know they were thinking of me.
Thank you for sharing Bethany! I remember when you went through that time. I appreciate your sharing what helped you.
Beautiful post, Debbie! Cards always help me and let me know someone is thinking about me.
Yes Heather, cards are often a very kind way to show you care. Thanks for sharing.
This is a great article. The one thing I think people are lacking these days are true friends. They need some to be there for them in good, and bad. God is a great place to turn, when I feel discouraged, or lost I turn to him! Remember if God put you there he will get you through it!
Wonderful, thanks for sharing.