the friend who cares
What do you think?
“The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not-knowing, not-curing, not-healing and face with us the reality of our powerlessness, that is the friend who cares.” (Henry Nouwen)
The key word here is “with us”
Having the presence of a friend is a priceless gift even if they are silent – the fact that they are present is more important.
unfortunately what holds people back from entering into a person’s grief and bereavement is the whole notion that they feel they cannot help or cure or provide an answer …
… we cannot always fix everything or say the perfect, comforting word. We have to be willing to face our powerlessness and merely offer our presence in those times.
It should not be about us … it needs to be about the person who is grieving
who in my life is experiencing grief and bereavement? I have no excuse to offer Gods love of friendship to them … this is a good reminder for me … excuse me while I make some phone calls and send an email …