How to Help the Hurting

“Let me know if I can do anything,” I’d said it a hundred times before, but this time, I really heard myself. 

My friend and co-worker, is facing one of the hardest things any human on earth can go through, so reality is, she doesn’t have the capacity to think under normal terms. In other words, she can’t process logical, practical, or helpful pieces of information.

In the heat of painful emotions, few can provide a quick list of things we can offer to reduce the hurt. This is true for the person on the receiving end, and also true for those of us who would like to give. Too often, this leaves us in an agitated state of limbo, where little if anything is done, for fear of causing more harm than good.

I used to stay away from people who were hurting, in a health crisis, or who experienced sudden disaster. But then I went through my own difficult circumstances, and learned how comforting it is when others reach out. And yet, I also know we all don’t react the same. For some, too many people makes the burden seem heavier. Too many words can overwhelm. Too few visitors make some feel abandoned. So what should we do?

This is where I’m asking for your help. I’m creating a list of things we can do for those who are hurting. I want to share this list with the world when I’m done. If you have any ideas, please add them in the comments below. Sadly, we live in a world that will not be void of pain until Christ returns a second time. Until then, let’s lend hands, feet, ears, shoulders, or anything else we can think of to ease their burden.

How do you suggest we help the hurting? What actions have offered comfort to you during a time of crisis?

Anita Agers-Brooks is a Business Coach, Certified Personality Trainer, Productivity Specialist, Certified Team Training Facilitator, Marketing Specialist, national speaker, and author. She lives in Missouri with her husband Ricky.

She’s passionate about business with integrity, healthy relationships, and issues of identity. She travels the country teaching others from her personal experiences and research.

Follow her FreshFaith blog or contact her via website anitabrooks.com/contact/  or email anita.freshfaith@gmail.com