Sometimes it can be daunting to know what to say or do when someone is grieving. After we lost our son, my husband and I experienced firsthand what it is like to be the ones grieving after a major loss. We needed and appreciated the people who made an effort to reach out. I'm sure they didn't know what to do either, but every effort they made was exactly what we needed at that time.
Sometimes it was the people who just sat and let us cry, or those who cried with us in silence, that were the most comforting. Two of our best friends brought us flowers and cried with us without saying anything. Having them there was all the comfort we needed. Our friends and family came over and checked on us and watched movies with us and just sat. If we felt like talking they were ready, but if we weren't up for it that was ok with them too. They were just there! Our family, who we are very close to, checked on us every day whether by dropping by or calling. Letters and flowers poured in through the mail, some even months later. They were all encouraging and arrived at just the right time. We were so grateful for the people who acted upon the Holy Spirit's urging to reach out. Their actions were invalueable in aiding to our recovery.
No one tried to "fix" us. They just let us grieve. Everyone grieves differently and our family and friends were patient and kind and lifted us up in prayer. I still meet people who tell me they were praying for us after they heard our news. By being sensitive to the Holy Spirit, the people in our lives were God's healing hands here on earth!
If you are the one grieving, the body of Chirst's actions on your behalf are invaluable. Surrounding yourself with the body of Christ allows you to have someone else hold your arms up when you become weary during battle. Trials will come because we live in an imperfect world; however if you have a solid foundation in the Lord, and the people you surround yourself do too, then you will always come out of the valley victorious.
As one who has been on the receiving end of encouragement, I urge you to be obedient when you sense the Holy Spirit telling you to reach out to someone. It's never too late, and no gesture is too small. In fact, your text, card, or phone call may be exactly what that person needs.
Sometimes it was the people who just sat and let us cry, or those who cried with us in silence, that were the most comforting. Two of our best friends brought us flowers and cried with us without saying anything. Having them there was all the comfort we needed. Our friends and family came over and checked on us and watched movies with us and just sat. If we felt like talking they were ready, but if we weren't up for it that was ok with them too. They were just there! Our family, who we are very close to, checked on us every day whether by dropping by or calling. Letters and flowers poured in through the mail, some even months later. They were all encouraging and arrived at just the right time. We were so grateful for the people who acted upon the Holy Spirit's urging to reach out. Their actions were invalueable in aiding to our recovery.
No one tried to "fix" us. They just let us grieve. Everyone grieves differently and our family and friends were patient and kind and lifted us up in prayer. I still meet people who tell me they were praying for us after they heard our news. By being sensitive to the Holy Spirit, the people in our lives were God's healing hands here on earth!
If you are the one grieving, the body of Chirst's actions on your behalf are invaluable. Surrounding yourself with the body of Christ allows you to have someone else hold your arms up when you become weary during battle. Trials will come because we live in an imperfect world; however if you have a solid foundation in the Lord, and the people you surround yourself do too, then you will always come out of the valley victorious.
As one who has been on the receiving end of encouragement, I urge you to be obedient when you sense the Holy Spirit telling you to reach out to someone. It's never too late, and no gesture is too small. In fact, your text, card, or phone call may be exactly what that person needs.