(Photo by Oh Paris via Flickr Creative Commons)
It happened three times in a single week.
Three separate friends either sat facing me, eyeball to eyeball, or on the other end of the phone, and with their full attention asked…
How are things?
With home, school, Allume?
And what about that thing you said you were struggling with? How’s that going?
As much as I wanted to simply say, “fine,” and leave it at that…
I was not fine. And I couldn’t pretend that I was.
As much as I wanted to be the “good Christian” who suffers joyfully and counts her blessings…
I was not fine.
And so I told them. That I was still struggling. That I needed advice. That a listening ear was a priceless gift. That I cherished their prayers.
After each conversation, I left feeling a little lighter, a little more loved, and a little more peaceful.
Maybe you’re struggling too?
Maybe it’s something that’s not so easy to talk about?
See, I’ve noticed that many of us are walking through life carrying enormous burdens. And some are more palatable to share with people than others. We are quick to offer prayer, support, meals, and childcare for a family when a member is in the hospital, having surgery, birthing a baby, enduring chemotherapy, or a public tragedy occurs.
As well we should.
But, what if someone is carrying a private burden?
A cheating spouse.
An alcoholic family member.
A wayward child.
Abuse.
A mental illness.
A loved one in jail.
As the body of Christ, we must walk alongside that suffering too.
If you’re suffering with a large burden, please hear me now.
It matters. You matter.
I’m sorry you’re hurting. You may feel like you are in an impossible situation. That there is no way out. That it is too much to bear.
That you must still wake up each morning and be a mama–supply and cook food, wipe noses and bottoms, navigate school and homework, and muster up a smile.
I see you and your pain. Your struggle.
You don’t have to shoulder it alone. You shouldn’t shoulder it alone.
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. –Galatians 6:2
Will you take one brave step? When someone you feel safe with asks how you are…
Tell them. You will be surprised how they step in and lift you up.
We can’t fix it or take it away, but we can speak truth into your life, and we can simply walk with you.
We can weep with you.
Hug you.
Give you brief moments of laughter and chocolate.
Truly though, and most importantly, it is our honor to go before the throne of grace and present you before the King of Kings.
I’m praying for you today.
Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. –Hebrews 4:16
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How can I pray for you specifically?
If you have a request, please leave it in the comments
or email me at mandy.mianecki {at}gmail.com
A great reminder, Mandy, that people are hurting and might not be able to tell us they need support. Thanks so much and I’m praying that the Lord will strengthen you as you persevere.
Beautiful post Mandy. So many are hurting and in need of our listening ears, warm hugs and fervent prayers!
Mandy, Thanks for this reminder to look outside of ourselves. I think we often fail to see the pain in others because we are so focused on ourselves. We receive so much strength when we stand together as Sisters in Faith. So glad you had some dear sisters reach out to you.