I have hurting friends.
Some are close by and some are far from me. I found myself mulling over each situation this weekend, a broken home, sick loved ones, trying times out on the dating scene, children leaving the nest. There is drama at my every turn. I feel helpless, unworthy to even hear some of the stories, and my own words, meant to be encouraging, seem hollow in my head. What do you say to people when words can't fix anything?
I have always found myself in the role of "counselor" - a friend recently told me my spiritual gift must be encouraging, because time after time, I have found myself on the other end of a phone call or the recipient of an email from a friend who needs me - to talk, to listen, to hug away the pain. It is an honorable place to be, the confidante, the sounding board, the quiet listener. I have been happily accepting this role quite a bit in the last few months.
But this weekend was filled with some painful conversations. I felt truly helpless as a friend and even as an encourager. One of my friends is far away - the pain in the voice on the other line of the phone was hard to hear. I hated that the phone was the only way to comfort. There should be a phone that allows hugs through the wires as well.
For all my friends out there, the ones that are hurting and the ones that just need a little encouragement on a Monday morning... keep this verse in your mind and know that I am here, praying for you and available to help whenever you need me.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6
Living Happily Ever After,
Beverly
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