Each of us have had formative experiences in life. Some have been joyful and others have been painful, however through them, we grow in understanding and compassion. Empathy develops. When we can meet a person at a point of empathy, that other person can receive what we have to offer as a gift of love and care.
Mine was grief. In the fall of 2008, thirteen people I knew passed from this life between Labor Day and Thanksgiving. Three were tragic circumstances involving young people. People were grieving intensely and I became so aware that no one really “knows” how to do this… grieving is hard!
As a Director of Christian Outreach, I saw an opportunity to support people in their grief through a Christ-centered support group, but did not feel that I was the person to lead it, so I sought people who had been part of other support groups. The ministry did not come together in this season, however God was preparing me.
The following summer, my father passed and I had my own personal and complicated grieving experience. Once I was able to surface emotionally, I sensed God calling me to start a group, which ran for several years and blessed many people as we provided graceful companioning through their season of grief.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 2 CORINTHIANS 1:3-4
People around me would ask about this ministry, typically indicating how difficult they imagined it to be. Grief is hard. At the same time, I felt that my experience was able to bless others as I leaned into the call of God. By bringing the presence of Christ, this space became Holy Ground and was filled with comfort and joy as people found healing in the midst of their pain.
What have you experienced in your life that enables you to be present with people who are enduring a similar circumstance?
Contact me if you want to explore ways you God has been preparing you to serve.
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