Friday, June 01, 2012

Responding ...

Carrie has a great post up today on how we respond to others when they are going through difficult or trying situations in life. I'd love to hear your thoughts as well! What kinds of things can we just do to help?

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Good ideas in that article. Every situation might need a different response. In 1974 my beloved brother was killed by a drunk driver, and my dad so badly injured he was never able to work full time again. The finacee was broken some too. A HORRID thing to live through. This was just 6 weeks before the intended wedding & near Thanksgiving time. (Imagine all the implications of that timing...and yes, in my heart I have never forgotten during the holidays...but I kept that to myself, not wanting to ruin anything for my children). What I remember most was those who just listened to me. Those who hugged me. Even one person who made homemade rolls, along with some other food. Really, we could hardly eat for the stone in our hearts and throat. But we DID eat those rolls with butter. And yes indeed, those who NEVER ever said to me: "I am so sorry."...yea, one will forever be remembered for that lack. MY husband's only sibling, a sister. I HAD thought she was my good friend...over the years she has done awful things to me, so really I should be glad she just never bothered to even send a card. Because that grief pales next to the other grief she added to my life. (Am I angry anymore, no, but some things you can never really forget...but you know when you are a pastor's wife as she was, there is something wrong with that picture!! PLEASE if you are in a position such as that, AT THE VERY VERY LEAST...send a card!!!) When you loose someone in death, there is that one phrase you can always say OR WRITE in a card: "I am so sorry." You do not have to say more. (I have forgiven my SIL, but some things one can never forget in this life). Life is for learning, so in every thing we live through, I suppose there is learning to be gained. May we never forget to "weep with those that weep"...next time it may be you who needs comforting.

Anonymous said...

Meals are always a great idea, I have done laudry for several in our church.Cards seem to mean a lot to people.
Thanks for the post.
kaflannery@juno.com