Isaiah Chapter 40 verse one
Comfort. O comfort my people....
It is merciful to comfort the afflicted
How sad my friend had reached the point of despair
because "no one cared"
Providing comfort is so important.
One thing I learnt in denominational ministry is how much people appreciated me visiting isolated communites, nursing homes etc.
We've become too focused on building numbers at church
and trusting programmes
when caring for people is what counts.
just to be there.
Weather our friend or relative is in grief, or a survivor of sexual abuse
or an accident
just to be there and to comfort.
not patronising.
not expecting anything in return
just to be suportive
to speak caring and comforting words.
which empower.
As one progresses through stages of recovery,
as one experiences trauma release
there may be a level of shock or suprise during a realisation that so much trauma was in our muscular skelital system
and during the post trauma adjustment
one may need reassurance from health care professionals, our pastor or trauma sensative friends and relatives.
those who are simply being supportive during the process
simply being comforting and reassuring.