A Gift from a Friend

  • Thread starter Thread starter HeartLight
  • Start date Start date

2056-large.jpg




Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn
(Romans 12:15 TNIV)
.
A dear friend, James, taught me a life affirming lesson a few days ago -- and I am grateful for his lesson and the opportunity it gave me to connect with a dear friend.

The lesson happened when a mutual friend of ours, named Karen, lost the love of her life, suddenly. Being a highly respected and prominent figure in our city, his passing would undoubtedly draw a huge crowd for the family visitation in his honor.

Even though I was almost consumed with thoughts of Karen, her daughter, and their sadness, I felt a sense of insignificance in anything that I could ever do to bring comfort to them. After all, it had been several years since our paths had crossed. We probably wouldn't even know what to say to each other.

I prayed for their broken hearts. I prayed that God would comfort them, but as I thought more and more about the droves of notable and distinguished people who would surely come to the visitation, I talked myself out of going. I didn't think I had any words that could possibly help her, although I so wished I did. So I went about the day, quietly thinking of my friend.

Around 2:00 that afternoon, my phone rang, and it was James. He asked if I was going to the visitation; he asked me as if he already knew the answer was "yes." After all, we had been corresponding by email about the sadness we both felt for Karen. After a long pause, my excuses started to flow. I couldn't believe my own ears, quite frankly.

James, being the understanding person that he is, quietly said, "Well, if it works out for you to go, just call me back and I'll meet you there."

His gentle, non-judgmental words lingered after I hung up the phone. I decided to quickly rearrange the afternoon, threw on a basic black outfit, and called James back. "I can be there in 30 minutes," I told him.

We stood in a long line, and my palms started to sweat as we got closer. What will I say? What could I say that hasn't already been said? I'm just another person for whom Karen, who's already exhausted, will have to muster up some sweet response for the generic, hopefully politically correct, sympathetic phrase that I will probably give.

She softly smiled to a few ladies ahead of us. She shook hands with men she'd never met. Then the line cleared, and there we were, face to face.

She stopped. She took a deep breath. Silently she reached out her hands for James and me. And softly, she said, "Give me just a minute." And she began to cry.

I felt my own tears well up as I slipped into that brief, but precious, moment. I saw tears in James' eyes, too. For a few seconds, no one said a word. All the years that had passed just fell away as we stood there, holding the hand of our friend. In that quiet moment, my heart overflowed with gratefulness for the friendships that we're all blessed with in this life. I felt a deep gratefulness to James for reminding me just how incredibly essential those friendships are to living our lives, no matter how many years may separate us.

The most important thing I learned that day was that when a person is hurting, there is always room for one more familiar face. Even if we don't have the right "words," a familiar voice is often enough to comfort a friend in a deep moment of pain. And that same familiar voice is often enough to help comfort them in a lot of the moments that lie ahead of them.

I hope to never again doubt that God has a plan and a way of using us when someone who is close to us is hurting. Thank you, James.

© Kelly Breece. From the Morning Cup Devotional, a weekly devotional for Christian women.

Kelly lives in Tennessee with her husband, Michael, and their young son, Shane. She is the author of "Morning Cup", a weekly Christian women's devotional. The messages are inspired by true life experiences in womanhood and in motherhood. Keep up Kelly on her blog, Morning Cup.

Website: Morning Cup

LqGLXAg29sA
 

Similar Requests

I ask for a forgiveness from a friend I hope one day she can find a way to forgive me for my wrong doings and we can find reconciliation under gods will please pray for her and heal her in any way possible I hope we can find a way to talk again.
Replies
6
Views
78
As a retired missionary from the Rock Of Ages prison ministries, in the south eastern states for 24 years, I've been ordering tracts from you to use locally and am considering on starting a local ministry to the incarcerated, near my home. Hoping to inspire younger saints, by training and...
Replies
7
Views
20
I'm disabled & I need help with something here at my home. I have contacted a friend twice now to help & so far they have not come to help me. Please pray God moves this person to come & do what is needed. God knows what I am praying for. It's important
Replies
4
Views
78
Dear father my Lord and king I thank you for life and how far you brought me, in this 46th yrs birthday on 15/10/24, Lord by mercy and your grace I pass my board Exam (Nclex) on the 14th and sudden marital settlement on 15th of October 2024, grant me my request in Jesus mighty name Amen
Replies
7
Views
41
What’s in quotes is from a friend I’m requesting prayer for today. “We found out today that there were some traces of asbestos.. so now who knows how long.. i asked for temporary relocation, and they said they would let us know.. part of me is feeling as tho this was all planned.. idk why, but...
Replies
5
Views
154
  1. Articles Articles:
    🙏 Hello @Shudyn, we're here with you. Remember, Jesus understands our pains (Isa 53:4). Cast your burdens on Him (1 Pet 5:7). We're praying for your comfort & healing. 🙌❤️
  2. Articles Articles:
    🙏 💛 **Prayer Request Updates!** 💛

    🌟 **Urgent Prayers Needed:**
    - @Anonymous has urgent requests for spiritual growth and healing. Let's lift up Ahmed and others in prayer.
    - **Health Concerns:** Pray for @Anonymous's husband, @Abelyrna's son, and @Anonymous's mom battling cancer.
    - **Financial Blessings:** @Anonymous and @Rethsil are believing for financial breakthroughs. Let's agree with them!
    - **Community:** Pray for @Lugil's community in Massachusetts facing housing issues and food shortages.

    💖 **Let’s also pray for:**
    - @MelissaRae's spiritual journey and @Bijisan's miracle.
    - @DesperateforJesus's family strength and healing.
    - @Paroxyromai's reconciliation and @Nochaeld's thanksgiving for authority.

    Share your prayers and support in the comments! 🙏❤️
  3. Articles Articles:
    🙏 Hey everyone! Let's lift up @Windwold's son Christopher for healing and proper treatment. Also, pray for @Rethanalion's housing search in Charlotte, NC. Let's claim peace and happiness for @CJL80's home this holiday season. Praying for everyone's needs in Jesus' name! 🙏💕
  4. Articles Articles:
    🙏 Hey everyone! 🌟 Let's lift up @Ochurn for reconciliation and peace, and @Glammawof4 for family and financial restoration. @Windwold’s son Christopher needs prayer for proper treatment. @Anonymous’s son is sick; let's pray for his recovery. @Grace L is seeking guidance in her housing search. @CJL80 needs peace and positivity this holiday season. Let's also pray for @MelissaRae’s loved one, Anthony, for spiritual growth, and @DesperateforJesus's family for strength and healing. Remember, all things are possible in Jesus' Name! 🙏💖
  5. Articles Articles:
    🙏 **🌟Prayer Updates🌟**
    🤒Ali's condition needs prayers. @PraisyJames asks we lift Ali's healing and faith in Jesus.
    🏠@GraceL needs guidance finding a new home in Charlotte.
    💔@Ochurn seeks reconciliation with a friend.
    🎄Let's pray for a peaceful Christmas for @CJL80 and family.
    💼@MelissaRae prays for Anthony’s spiritual growth.
    rott Thinking of Ali's condition and others
    ➕Please keep Ochurn in your prayers and let’s also support Grace L in her housing search. Reflecting on the Christmas season and let’s uplift Ochurn and everyone in prayer for healing and restoration as @PraisyJames called for us to come together in prayer for Ali’s healing.
    ➕Also remembering Glammawof4 seeking prayer for her daughter and grandbabies.
    can join in God’s work in their lives.🙏‍gzSo many needs, let’s lift them all up in Jesus' name!💖
Your donations for running this web site are greatly appreciated.

Click To Make A Donation

Latest Blogs & Articles

Back
Top Bottom