Hard Times

In the last few weeks, it seems that quite a few people I know have had to go through some really, really tough stuff. I’ve written out a short list of those struggles below just to be able to get a grasp on what all has occured recently. Names are omitted to protect privacy, though you may know who some of these people are.

1. T-boned while riding passenger in a car
2. Paralyzed from a diving accident
3. Hit by a car while riding a bike
4. Killed by an armored truck
5. Getting a divorce (sadly, several of these)
6. Lost an unborn baby
7. Died from cancer
8. Diagnosed with cancer

It’s hard to see friends and family go through hard times. In these situations I can’t even begin to relate to the magnitude of suffering and pain that they are going through. I know that when I’ve gone through hard times, their is very little that actually that anyone can do to relieve the grief and pain. If I had the money, I would help. If I had wisdom I would share it. If I could pour out hope and healing I would surely do so. But I find that there is not much I can do to help in any significant way. So I pray. I pray for you and your family. I pray for healing and peace. I try to think of tangible ways of sharing or expressing hope to you. I practice all the things I might say that I think might help, but I know these phrases will all sound so trite or oversimplified or inexperienced. I don’t know what to say really.