More Than You Can HandleSample

 What Friends Do

Maybe you are one of the extraordinary people who know exactly what to do and say when someone’s world has been shaken by tragedy. I am grateful for you! For the other 99% of us, reaching out when a friend is hurting can feel awkward and uncomfortable. If you’re like me, you probably fear you’ll say or do the wrong thing.

During my family’s deepest times of loss, a couple of things made a giant impact. 

1. Show up. My dear friend, Leslie, has a unique ability to show up at the exact moment you need to feel the love. Rather than saying, “Call if you need anything,” she’ll let you know your dinner is in the oven and ask if you’d prefer to enjoy the deliciousness tonight or tomorrow night.

I love how she doesn’t casually drop the ball in your court during a traumatic time when you really don’t know what you need. She shows up! Leslie brings something yummy, hugs you around the neck, and lets you know you’re not conquering this giant alone. 

2. Reach out. The Lord has a phenomenal way of giving us a holy nudge when we need it. Act on it! Reaching out doesn’t have to be extravagant — a text, call, or card to let a friend know they haven’t been forgotten will always arrive at the perfect time.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 says, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.”

Ask the Lord who could use a little encouragement right now. If someone comes to mind, consider giving them a call or sending a handwritten note. You’ve probably seen how these treasures always seem to come at the exact right moment!