R – REACH OUT
Reach out for help! It is not by chance that there are countless scriptures in the Bible about encouraging one another. God created us. He knew that we would need each other to overcome the struggles of this earthly life. We are not meant to do this alone.
One of the things that helped me so much as I grieved was being able to talk about Joshua. There were days that I just wanted to sit and say his name over and over. I wanted to share stories about him. I wanted to hear others say his name. No one could have known when I needed that so I had to reach out. I had to call a friend and say, “Hey, can we go for coffee.”
When you need to talk, call someone. You know who those people are that are amazing listeners. God has given some the ability to sit and listen so well. (I am not that person; although I do try.)
Look for a support group in your area. While We’re Waiting is an amazing faith-based group that focuses on the needs of bereaved parents. Check their website to find a support group near you! www.whilewerewaiting.org.
Seek professional counseling. A good counselor is trained to listen and to ask the right questions that will help you process your grief. I was too stubborn to go, but Michael kept gently encouraging me. I finally went, intending to just sit and listen to her; to check her out so I could appease Michael. Then, I would have proof that I didn’t need counseling and wouldn’t have to go back. She asked me one question and all the words came pouring out. When I realized how much she helped, I wished that I had gone sooner. She has been blessed by God with insight and wisdom to help those who are hurting.
Reach out to help! There are other times when I am sad that I know I need to reach out and encourage others because that will also encourage me. On those hard days, – his birthday, the anniversary of him going to Heaven, Michael and I tend to sit around the house and mope for most of the morning. We are sad. We don’t want to talk to anyone. We don’t want to go anywhere.
Finally, around lunch time, one of us will motivate the other to get dressed and get out of the house. We find things to do that remind us of Joshua or we find ways to brighten someone else’s day. Sometimes, we go and eat his favorite foods. Sometimes, we go and pay for a birthday cake at a local bakery. One year, our daughter and I taped baggies of quarters to vending machines at the local hospital and hid dollar bills all over Dollar Tree. It is so amazing to me how much I am uplifted when I look outside of myself and try to find ways to encourage others.
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11
How do you reach out and how has that encouraged you?
With Eyes on the Cross 