A Shared Burden

A Shared Burden

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.

I sat around the table and listened as each woman took a turn sharing her most recent prayer request. We each nodded and wrote down a note, offering sympathetic looks and encouraging words. I was struck by the deep concerns they shared, especially those centered on parenting amid hard issues their kids were facing. I left the moms’ group meeting determined to keep these women and their children in my prayers.

The next morning as I thought once again of the other moms, I realized that I could never have guessed what each mom was facing prior to her disclosing her deep pain. When I see them out around town or on social media, they look like they are completely put together. I don’t mean to imply that they are somehow being fake—they are some of the sincerest women I know—but I think it’s a fact of life that we can all carry burdens that others may not see or know about unless we tell them. I started thinking about how often I cross paths with friends who are struggling with a concern that I know nothing about and how often we hide our pain from others with a simple “I’m fine” when we’re asked how we’re doing.

The moms’ group reminded me that we need to share and carry one another’s burdens and heartaches. We are not meant to go through trials alone. God gave us friends so that we’d have support and encouragement, reminding us that a companion can lift us up when we are struggling. God designed us to be in friendship with others because he knew we’d need to both receive support and give it in order to be successful in life. It’s not a weakness to need others; it’s actually one of our greatest strengths.

— Kendra

— Today’s Act of Friendship —

Reach out to a friend who you know is going through a hard time and offer them support through a listening ear, prayer, or just being present with them.