Reaching Out

Reaching Out

Kind words are like honey—sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.

Kristin’s text arrived as I was curled up in my hospital bed awash in pain, waiting for scans to tell me what was wrong. The pain had come on suddenly and with an intensity I’d never encountered, and I was secretly scared about what the doctor might find. I reread the prayer Kristin sent me as my tears almost blurred out the question at the end of her message: “How can I help?”

Those four simple words felt so important in my moment of uncertainty and fear. I was putting on a brave face for friends and family, and her question reminded me that I’m loved, that I’m seen—even while waiting by myself after sending Aaron home with a firm plea to keep the kids distracted and calm. She also let me know she was willing to change her plans if there was something she could do to help me out.

I was released from the hospital several hours later with a diagnosis of kidney stones, some medicine, and the assurance that everything would be fine, but Kristin’s simple prayer and offer of help stayed with me. While there wasn’t anything she could do to help me in the moment, her genuine offer bolstered my spirits and pointed my thoughts back to Jesus as I reread the prayer she prayed over me. My body may have needed the medicine and the doctor’s care, but my spirit needed Kristin’s kind words to lift me up.

It’s hard to watch friends struggle while we wonder how to help and whether there is anything we could do that would make a difference. Proverbs reminds us that kind words are good for us—body and soul. Offering prayer and encouraging words is always a great first step, but simply asking the question “How can I help?”—like Kristin did—is another wonderful way to respond.

— Julie

— Today’s Act of Friendship —

Try adopting Kristin’s “How can I help?” response with a friend facing a hard week.