Have you ever been in a situation when someone needed your help and you just did not have the words?
I have an amazing friend who lives in a neighboring state. To say she has difficulties in her life is an understatement. She has a husband, kids, job, and tons of responsibilities and I have never seen her get angry with God or run away from what she believes to be true. She is a solid example of what a woman of faith looks like.
I have to admit that I ran away from her. She confided in me regarding a terribly difficult situation and I just absolutely had no idea what to say. I didn’t know how to comfort her or help her make sense of anything. And I have not talked to her since…until my Facebook chimed in tonight. I know that we don’t always have the right words, and sometimes just being a presence for someone, even on a telephone line, or the other side of a Facebook chat is all someone needs.
But what about those times where you can’t spit out the words fast enough? As I was sitting in the hospital last weekwith my little one, my Facebook chat chimed again. It was a very dear friend of mine from High School! I haven’t talked to her since our 10 year reunion (in 1996) 🙂
She was my “Baptist” friend who was always at church. She always went to “youth group” or VBS. In my Catholic upbringing (not everyone’s Catholic upbringing), religion was not discussed. We just “went to Mass” and my mom never let me go to her church even after I pleaded with her time after time. I think I was always searching, even at that young age.
“Gina” had some questions about being “Methodist” as she and her husband just joined a wonderful Methodist church. I told her, “Call me anytime!” And my phone rang five minutes later. Hearing the twang of her Southern accent warmed my heart and when she asked me questions I had the words. She even said, “Cazandra, isn’t it funny that all those years ago God knew we would come together talking about faith even though we didn’t back then?”
Yes, Gina, He did know that. And I will continue to pray to God to give me the strength and wisdom to have the words when needed and the wisdom to know when my presence is enough.
Today I Am Thankful For:
1. Discharge papers from the hospital
2. Pretty boxes
3. Friends who trust you
4. Extension cords
5. chimes
