Helplessly Helpful

What do you do when someone you love is going through an extremely difficult situation and there is nothing you can do to change it?  I know that I rack my brain trying to think of ways that I can change it and make it better for them. Ways to fix it.  Well, most of the time, there is nothing I can do, making me feel helpless.  So what do you do?

First and foremost, I storm the heavens with prayer, day and night.  They are constantly on my mind and I lift them up throughout the day.  I pray for deliverance but I also pray for peace, comfort, provision, and discernment for that person.  Difficult times are part of each of our journeys and sometimes all we can do is pray.  All we can do is walk along side them, letting them know we are present.  Even when we can't be with them physically, there are ways that we can let them know that our hearts are breaking for theirs and our spirits are connected with theirs.

How do I do this?  With phone calls and texts.  Sometimes just to say good morning to let them know that I am starting my day thinking of them.  Or just a "how are you doing today" which often gets a conversation going, allowing them to share where they are in this journey.  Often, I will find an inspirational quote and/or photo or song to hopefully help calm them, motivate them, or provide them with some hope.  On occasion, I will send them meaningful gifts that speak to the beauty of who they are and remind them that they are not alone and will make it through this difficult time.

And sometimes all you can do is PRAY.  You are not helpless!  Prayer is the most powerful gift you can give to those you love.  If you  don't know what to pray, simply ask the Holy Spirit to minister to that person in whatever way they need.  He knows where they are in this journey and exactly what they need.  Of course, the other thing that you can do is to simply love them right where they are.  Whether they are being stoic or are a mess, just come along side of them and love them in whatever way they will allow.  Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in what that looks like.  He won't let you down so that you don't let your loved one down.

Be present to them as much as you can, in whatever way you can, and you will be helplessly helpful.