Moments to write fall through deep, cavernous cracks. Cracks etched by life’s trials and testings. Most days rush by in a sweeping motion, making my head dizzy from the twirling roundabout. Today I may hold on tight, staying close to the center. It’s comfortable there. Other days, feet dangling off the edge, I let my body fall limp as I grip the paint chipped bars. Leaning back, eyes closed, I let the breeze flow through my hair.

We never do quite know what life will throw at us, do we? Are we ever prepared for the trials that are written on the tablet of our tomorrow? I’m sure the mother of a little girl fighting brain cancer wasn’t. The daughter who lost her sweet Mama battling cancer? It’s always too early.  We always wish for one more moment with those dear loved ones.  How does she find her way, feeling just as an orphan, sitting on a creaky cot stripped of sheets?

This life has pains and deep heartache that we will never understand this side of eternity. Don’t ever try to minimize someone’s pain. It’s their pain to walk through.

How do we comfort the bleeding heart? The muscle that gives life to the body, but sometimes lets out a whaling cry from its very core?

How To Comfort The Hurting

We listen.

We don’t try to fix the pain.

We don’t ask what we can do. We just send a meal. Or an encouraging text.

We give scripture. . . in the most gentle of ways and times.

We follow through with small and big gifts of joy.

Music to a little girl on a hospital bed.

A cup of coffee simply handed to a weary Mama.

Cliche comments, noisy neighbors, and lurking facebook followers don’t help the hurting soul lying face down in the dirt.

Dirt streaked tears stain her cheeks. She sits limp, wondering how she will go on?

But she does.

That encouraging comment lifts her spirit.

The joy in her daughter’s eyes makes her feel brave again.

The whisper of grace and hope from a God who cares breaths life into her sails.

Don’t believe the lies

Don’t believe the lie from that sneaky serpent, that you won’t rise again.

He screams, “Stay face down in the dirt.” God whispers louder, “get up, dear child.”

He screams, “You are unseen and worthless.” God whispers with a shout, “you are precious and beloved.”

He screams, “You are all alone. Just give up.” God whispers with love, “You are never alone. Rise again.”

You Will Rise Again

If you are deep in the pit of a trial, don’t give up.  You will rise again, stronger.  Today may not look very bright, but tomorrow will be full of warm sunshine on your face.  Don’t give up today and forfeit the immeasurable joys of your tomorrow!