Unfortunately, I think we all go through seasons where it seems like everyone around us has big, seemingly insurmountable obstacles and crises they are facing and lately this is a season I am in. Even though I have gone through many traumas in my own life, I still find myself wondering how I can help, what to say and why so many people are hurting. When I feel this way, I often freeze and worry that no matter what I do, it won’t help, but this is not a biblical outlook or what God has called and compelled us to do.
I recently searched for verses about helping those that are hurting and immediately was faced with a huge list. The verses call for us to walk and mourn with each other (Romans 12:4), for us to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2), to defend the weak (Psalm 82:3), and the list goes on. Why do you think that God’s Word tells us again and again to help others? Maybe because He wants us to be His hands and His feet? We are not compelled to sit on the sidelines and watch others hurt and do nothing.
So, if you are looking around your life and seeing hurting people and you are a follower of Christ, then you (like me) cannot sit quietly and watch their pain play out and not do something. Instead of freezing, maybe you start small by reaching out? Send that text message, make that phone call, send a good old fashioned card. All you have to say is, I’m sorry for your pain, your loss etc. and you are prayed for. It doesn’t take magical or perfect words, but it does take saying those words.
Or maybe you take it a step further and show up and do something. This may seem like a big and scary step, but remember we aren’t called to sit on the sidelines, we are called to love and mourn with and comfort those that are hurting. There are so many simple things to do, from taking a giftcard to a restaurant, to running a home cooked by, to taking some flowers. Maybe you set-up a meal train? Maybe you take paper goods? Maybe you offer to help with childcare? Maybe you offer to help around their house? No matter how big or how small those items may seem, they can and will make a big difference.
Finally, I’m going to challenge those of you that have stayed with me this far, to take it even further. You know when people lose someone or even when they are facing long-term illnesses, that the pain isn’t short-lived and the days stack upon the days. I challenge you to show up for the long haul. What do I mean by that? Don’t just send those texts and cards immediately following a scary diagnosis or when someone dies, but do it for the coming months and yes, even years. That may seem daunting and maybe those hurting people aren’t always responsive, but I promise you that those that stick it out for the long haul, become our closest friends and strongest allies. You can love others and in loving them, love God and do what He calls us to do.
Finally, all of you be like-minded and sympathetic, love one another, and be compassionate and humble
I Peter 3:8 (CSB)
Amy Woody
Amy walked the journey of widowhood in May of 2016 when she was only 36 years old. Since then, God has walked with her through much darkness and reminds her daily that He is the ultimate provider of light. Amy has been the Director of the Stand In The Gap Ministries for Widows program since October of 2021. She is now a Pastor's Wife after God brought her remarriage to her husband, Brian. She lives in Morris, Oklahoma (with 3 cats, 3 dogs, 5 ducks, and 5 chickens) and loves spending time with her family and college-aged daughter and enjoying the beautiful world God created. She has an abundance of gratitude for what God has brought her through. She wants everyone to know that God can use your hurt to allow you to help others and that He has a plan for your life!
