Dancing around Hard Stuff

This week I spent a lot of time thinking about orphans, widows, and those with special needs as part of a writing project for my church. I danced around actually putting words on paper because I felt so inadequate to give voice to these people who struggle with such complicated issues and deep grief. How can I truly know the depth of their pain and what might bring at least a measure of comfort?

Don’t we all feel this way when a friend hits a challenging time? What should we say? What should we not say? What should we do? Sometimes, honestly, don’t we dance around doing anything just as I danced around putting words on paper?

“I’ll call tomorrow.”

“She is probably so overwhelmed that I would just make things harder for her by showing up.”

“I’m sure she has a lot of help from family.”

As part of my writing project for church, I interviewed a friend who is an orphan, a friend who is a widow, and another friend who is the parent of a special needs daughter. Each one has unique insights, of course, but a common theme or two did emerge.

First, please notice me. See me. Hear me. Offer to let me into your life and family.

Second, I SO appreciate offers of help.

Life can feel so overwhelming sometimes, can’t it? So much to do. So many people to help. So many chores. So many schedules to coordinate.

And now I write about helping orphans, widows, and those with special needs.

Overload?

Maybe a bit. So I think about one small thing I could do this week to reach out with compassion to an orphan, a widow, or someone with special needs.

I could make a phone call. Or extend the invitation for a walk or a breakfast date. Nothing flashy, just an opportunity to say, “I see you. I hear you. I care.”

Interested in hearing more about what my friends had to say about being an orphan, a widow, or the parent of a child with special needs? Let me know by leaving a comment on this blog.