I’m overwhelmed. Not frantic, but heavy with realization. This makes me quiet, which freaks everyone out a little. As if the Earth stopped spinning and pigs are flying or something, which would be highly amusing if I wasn’t so dang melancholy.
Here’s the deal: Has anyone else noticed the masses of deeply hurting people lately? It’s … well … overwhelming. Everywhere I turn, dear people stand neck deep in a pit of pain. It doesn’t matter what you call it, this is some tough stuff. Like watching a lost child try to find her way home. I want to do something, say something, but I’m not always sure of the right move. Lucky for me, I’ve been lost a time or two myself, and I’ve discovered a secret:
Sometimes the lost just need a little company.
More than a sermon or a cliche, those who hurt need a little presence. Someone who’ll hang with them for a while, let them unload the heartache, help sort through reality. Next time your path crosses that of a hurting heart, try pulling this out of your back pocket:
“I’m with you.”
Chances are, that’s what she needs to hear the very most.
I love this. How true. I so want someone NOT to give their advice or strokes, I just want to know that I am not alone.
Thanks for the “good”tears this morning.
And we Christians are so good at giving platitudes. Those are the most wounding. Yes, God uses suffering. Yes, we make other idols besides God. Yes, God works all thing out…but now is not the time to tell someone that. I agree with you Michele, we need to be redemptive agents by being silent, or by saying, “I care” and not offering advice.
My dear friend Michele, Your post caused me to achieve spillage and it’s not even noon. :0) I love your heart. It is a good heart, a generous heart, a loving heart!
Michele,
What a heart you have for the hurting. As I read your post I was reminded of the verse, a friend loves at all times.
Hugs,
ton
“I’m with you” are just the right words a hurting heart needs to hear. I recall the words of Jesus: … I’m with you always, even to the end of the age …
Your comments touched my heart so, so much. Thanks for being with me and so many others. Your presence makes life sweet!
my heart says “yessssss!”
Hey, Alece … I’m with you.
Your heart is beautiful, and this post keeps me coming back to it reguarly. The simplicity of the words “I’m with you” is everything I need to hear. Thanks for this post.