by Outreach Of Hope
Finding ways to help a friend bear the burden of traumatic injury or serious illness is challenging, but not necessarily difficult. What a hurting friend needs most is your thoughtful heart and faithful commitment. When were in the midst of our own busy schedules, it is easy to overlook some of the simple, practical ways we can support and encourage a friend who carries the burden of suffering. Consider some of these possibilities:
- Write down your friends medical appointments on your personal planner or calendar. Then call to see how the visit went. Be the friend who shares the anxiety of these visits. Kim Jones, Monument, CO
- Send an anonymous greeting card or postcard every week for a year to a person you know is struggling. On the final card, suggest that the person continue the same anonymous ministry to someone they know. Scott Richardson, New York, NY
- Set up a fax network to keep people informed of your loved ones health status, especially in churches you may have attended. Keep people informed and aware of how to pray most effectively. Bob Hazen, Omaha, NE
- Some time after the crisis is over, send your personal prayer journal to your friend, revealing all the prayers youve prayed for him or her. Ruth Spaethe, San Clemente, CA
- It can be difficult to continually be on the receiving end of encouragement, so send cards, gifts, or money anonymously to spare the recipient the task of writing yet another thank you note. Anonymous
A Grace Disguised - How the Soul Grows Through Loss. In one dramatic moment, author Gerald Sittser lost his mother, wife and daughter in a tragic auto accident. His journey through the val
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