Part of the world’s healing is doing whatever it takes to get your heart to stay close to the hurting.
~ Ann Voskamp
But aren’t we all hurting right now—just a little bit . . . or a lot?
Is it really possible in the midst of our own “stuff” to dig deeper into ourselves and intentionally move closer to someone else who’s hurting?
Maybe. Maybe not.
Sometimes it’s true: we simply have not one iota more of ourselves to give, and that’s okay.
But sometimes, in choosing to shift our focus from our own pain, disappointments, and discouragements to the people around us—and the hurts they’re facing—we find that we experience healing, too.
When I change the perspective from MY reality to YOUR reality, my view of the world expands . . . and my own worries diminish.
Click to see other bloggers’ interpretations of “your” at Five Minute Friday.
I realize I truly don’t know what others are experiencing until I walk in their proverbial shoes. I’m reminded there are no perfect families, no perfect spouses, no pain-free parental relationships. There are no easy answers to tough questions. Sometimes there’s no solution at all except to live in Hope.
There’s no way to take away someone’s pain, but we can choose to lean into it alongside them and share it.
I’m encouraged by these real-life examples of people choosing to stay close to the hurting . . .
Dropping everything to fly cross country in the midst of a global pandemic to be with a dying friend. Prayers going before you today, friend. Safe travels!
A man offering encouragement to a woman who recently lost her beloved and is struggling with the virtually unending task of cleaning out his things: “Every time you take something out, it opens up more space for peace and love.” Keep opening up those spaces, friend! Prayers for you this morning.
A precious Brazilian father-daughter duo singing praise songs in their home and sharing them on Facebook. You can’t fake that kind of joy! What a beautiful gift of encouragement I received this morning. Miss seeing your family!
Our small church continuing its ministry of love through meals to neighborhood families in the midst of COVID-19 risks; moving from sit-down to take-out and increasing from 45 meals (pre-virus) to as many as 120 served twice a month since March. We love seeing your smiles and hearing your appreciation, but we know life is really tough for many of you.
A text of encouragement sent to a young parent trying to balance work responsibilities with children learning virtually at home—or a teacher! I’ll admit: We “seasoned” citizens are glad our children are grown during these crazy times! But, even virtually, we’re here to help.
Grandparents putting together a virtual puzzle with their grands; giving the kids a break from being stuck at home for so long without grandparent hugs and conversation. In our family, we like the Arts & Culture app. It’s more than just puzzles! Miss you boys! Time for another puzzle session, don’t you think?
So true. Our world expands when we pay attention to the reality others are experiencing. It is a stressful time and sometimes my nerves are frayed. I need to pause and seek God for peace of mind–so that I can have words and deeds of grace. I enjoyed your post and am glad to read about the ministry of your church!
“…words and deeds of grace” is always a worthwhile goal, but especially in today’s world. May God give you peace today, Carol.
I love all these examples you shared! I think it not only blesses others but blesses us too when we manage to look beyond our own struggles to see how we can make things a little brighter for someone else.
You’re so right, Lesley. I am ALWAYS blessed when I look beyond myself!
The cartels have come to the neighbourhood here, Susan, and this will get worse.
Maybe you are really hurting,
maybe, friend, the pain is real,
but when it seems that God’s deserting
us, don’t matter how you feel.
Maybe you can’t feel too hopeful,
maybe, friend, you’re right as rain,
but have a shot, yeah, drink a snootful,
because it’s here we must remain
and guard the others that are weaker,
guard them till our blood is gone,
guard them though it all looks bleaker
than the end of ‘Zulu Dawn’.
Guard them till the fighting’s through,
and I will die next to you.
Andrew, as usual I’m honored that you wrote a poem-comment here. The reminder to guard the weak is always timely, and weakness manifests itself in so many forms, some not at all obvious. I’m taking your words to heart and asking God to show me who in my circle of influence may need that extra guarding right now. Thanks for the encouragement.
A virtual puzzle with the grands? That sounds like something I need to look into. Blessings to you, Susan!