I do, however, want to make a suggestion for any of you who have a friend who has recently experienced a deep loss. You may want to check out Molly Piper's blog, specifically, the list of articles on the right side of the webpage, under the heading "How to Help Your Grieving Friend." Molly Piper is the daughter-in-law of John Piper, author and pastor of Bethlehem Baptist in Minneapolis, MN. After going through a very difficult time, Molly wrote firsthand about the things friends did that truly comforted her.
We often don't know what to do or what to say when others go through grief, so we do and say nothing, but that's probably not the best response either. I wish I'd read this months or years ago. It might've prevented me from sounding Hallmark-y during the losses that some of you have experienced.
Wow, it's as if you peeked into my prayer life and posted this as a response. A friend of mine is loosing her battle with cancer and only has weeks left - hospice is now all they can do. Another good friend of mine is really close to her and has been the hands and feet of Jesus, taking her to all her chemo appointments and doctor visits for the past year and a half. My role has been watching her 4 kids so that she could be there for our friend. The loss is going to be great, even though we know it's coming. I prayed the other night that God would show me how to minister to her once our friend has passed. How did you know that?!
ReplyDeleteWow is right, Leslie. Once again, you and I are praying for similar things. How many times is that going to happen? God is amazing.
ReplyDeleteI remember you telling me about the situation quite a while back, when you guys first set up this doctor visit and babysitting arrangment (which I think is incredible of both of you). The whole thing is so so sad. I'll be praying for the mom who is dying, your other friend, and for you. I know you though, and I know you're going to be just what this friend needs.