“When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives means the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand. The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing, not curing, not healing and face with us the reality of our powerlessness, that is a friend who cares.”
~ Henri J.M. Nouwen
Jerusalem is NOT God’s Favorite Place on Earth
When my wife passed away in 2005 of a terminal illness, a friend came by to “console” me by trying to theologically explain why and how my wife died and how and why she may have been spared-in essence blaming her. I couldn’t wait for him to leave.
Later that day another friend and his wife came by, stocked my fridge with food, washed my dishes, and cleaned my house. Afterwards, they then quietly sat at either side of me, held my hands, and just simply helped me cry. I hated to see them leave, and will never forget their silent love, which spoke to my heart louder than words.
Brilliant friends, Julio! I always think that with Job’s friends, the trouble started when they opened their mouths. As long as they sat quietly with Job for the 7 days, all was well.
Really like the quote Frank. I have two funerals coming in the next two days. one was a 94 year old lady ready to go. The other was a 51 y/o man who was a cycling friend, also ready to go, but not just yet. The first is easy to deal with. The latter is “what do I say?” Maybe nothing is the best thing.
Thanks for sharing this, Frank. What better friend than the Lord Jesus who lived among us, suffered for us, and died in our name!
Wow. Can not be said any better than that. Love doesn’t need words. Amen.