HOW TO HELP WHEN SOMEONE IS IN
NEED
I was just inspired today by an amazing woman of whom I have only grown to respect. She has a gift to do the RIGHT thing when someone is hurting. I have known her to send cards, bring little cute gifts and plan with others to help when she knows someone is in need.
This same lady continues to do this as she has been seriously ill (in chemo treatments). Today she put out a need of her own. So simple...but wow!
I understand for those who know us and what we have been facing ourselves the past few years, it seems unusual. But, I feel the Lord has inspired me to just send out this simple outline how to be there for others. I know I will be adding on in the future but here is a basic list. Please receive this with love, knowing my heart as a minister (a pastor's wife & writer) is only to build up the Body by knowledge on how we can bless others even beyond the realms of Christianity. I have found the one's who have touched us and others have been down a quite similar road as ours. Other's are just simple loving folks who love to serve.
PLEASE READ ON:
WHAT TO DO
Pray ...Always stop right when you
are aware of the need & pray.
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Tell the person that you are praying (this
does bring comfort)
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Ask the Lord if it is His will,
to give you an encouragement
scripture for this person.
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Stop and think of that person's need...ask
yourself; what would I do in this situation,
how would I feel?
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Do what you can...if you have the peace
from God--go for it!
I.E.=
*Pray
*Make a meal
*Send a card
*If needed clean their house.
*You may have an item that you don't
need that they do...let it go.
*Most of the time $ is a need--do
what you can...little or big. Love that
old quote evangelist & preachers say: "You
can't out-give God!" [Never put a
person in a place where they have to ask!]
*Send a gift card
*Make cookies...etc.
*Bring flowers
*Visit and or call
*Buy an encouragement CD or DVD
*Call others on their behalf to have them pray
or help them.
*ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS
DO WHAT YOU CAN!
WHAT NOT TO DO
Ignore (another words...not saying anything)
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Judge/Criticize
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Look Down (at least in your
spirit) this is easy for any of us to do.
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Telling them what they should or should
not be doing (unless truthfully the Holy
Spirit has prompted you aligned w/His
Word).
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Say: "LET ME KNOW WHAT I
CAN DO." (This is definitely
something you DON'T do.) It throws
the need right back in the hurting persons
court...even making it heavier.
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If it is a long drawn out trial of sickness
or other...STOP any help.
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All of those are great suggestions. Let me add a little. Offer to help run errands, offer transportation needs, offer child care if there are little ones. I remember during Vic's seizures how often I needed to be 2 or 3 places at the same time and there was not always the flexibility on the part of the appointments that was needed. My husband had uncontrolled seizures, but I had not choice other than to leave our very small children with him. There were times when he would call and tell me I needed to get the kids. I worked for flexible places, but there is only so much flexibility a workplace can have. I did not have anyone I could call at those times. Had I not found a drop off child care center we would have been sunk. I was only sleeping 3-4 hours a night. If someone had offered me a chance to take a nap it sure would have helped. My husband's intense seizures lasted five years before the Lord delivered him through brain surgery. Looking back I can say that we are truly blessed from having lived through that season. We appreciate things more. We have learned how to truly praise the Lord. We have gained a lot more than we lost. However, when walking through it I did not see it happening and most don't so pray, encourage, and walk with those who are going through tough times.
ReplyDeleteVery good suggestions. Thankyou for sharing.
ReplyDelete