Monday, March 5, 2018

SABRINA We’ve all been there. A friend receives a devastating loss or diagnosis. We are crushed, but want to avoid them because we do not know what to say. Words matter, but sometimes our presence matters more. In the book of Job, we find that when Job experienced great tragedy in his life, he had three friends who came to visit. They came intending to sympathize with him and comfort him. But when they realized how bad things were, they mourned with him; then sat with him in silence. They didn’t start out attempting to fix his problems but chose instead to simply be with him in his despair. We are a culture driven by what we can do. While doing has its place, let’s remember that “being” carries importance as well. Even counselors know sometimes the best thing to do is simply sit and listen. We don’t always have to have the right word to say or know the perfect thing to do. When words don’t work, we need to remember, our presence can be more than enough.