Friendships Made Through Heartache

Friendships Made through Heartache

Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2

I first got to know my friend Christa when she and her family decided to come on a hike with my family in honor of my sister Katrina, who had died of cancer. The hike was an annual event, put on to raise money for women and children who needed financial support and as a way to continue to remember and honor my sister.

I remember telling Christa about the hike that was coming up, what it meant to me, and where the money was being donated that year. She seemed interested and showed genuine empathy over the loss of my sister. A few days later I got a text saying that she and her family would like to join our team and hike with us. She had not known my sister and did not know me very well yet, so I was especially touched by her kindness.

As we continued over the next few months to talk about the hike, train for it together, and discuss all the practicalities of where we’d be staying and the activities surrounding the hike, I realized what a dear woman Christa was. She was a treasure, and as we hiked together on a perfect July day, a bond and friendship was created that has continued to this day.

Everyone needs to know what it is like to have others come alongside of them in their pain. Being willing to be present with another, listening, and offering empathy are just a few of the ways that we can share each other’s burdens and thereby obey the law of Christ. Creating relationships and building friendships with others is one of the greatest joys in life, but to do this we must be willing to show kindness by engaging others and caring about what matters to them. Who do you know that could use a friend to come alongside them?

—Kendra

— Today’s Act of Kindness —

Join in with someone else on an activity or outing that is important to them.