If you’ve seen my recent Facebook post, you know that I’m in a bit of a crisis. After nearly seventeen years of working for the same company, I am no longer employed by that company. It has been a difficult adjustment to say the least. I find it interesting though that here I am writing about the topic of facing a crisis when I myself am facing one.
It doesn’t matter who you are, at some point in your life, you will face a crisis or family emergency, and it is during those times that finding support from family and friends is so important. Think back to a very difficult time you’ve faced at some point in your life. What do you remember about that time? Did you feel supported or did you feel like you were left floundering? Some of the hardest times we can face are the times when we feel alone. A crisis could be a silent struggle or it could be a life-altering event, whatever it is, the most comforting thing when we all face hard times is to know someone is there if you need them.
I believe one of the most important callings God give us is to be a friend to someone in need:
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. – Galatians 6:2
God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. – Hebrews 6:10
We don’t all have the same natural inclinations – whether that’s to pen a note of encouragement with the perfect words or getting your hands dirty to help with some practical need. The point is, we can all do something when a person we know is facing a crisis. In my situation, since I was losing my company car, I had two friends offer their cars for me to drive for a few weeks. This was so appreciated because it gave me time to figure out my next move without the pressure of going out and buying a new car
You may find reaching out may be difficult, but here are a few ideas for you to consider when someone you know is going through a hard time.
Share a Meal — If someone you know is going through a crisis, dealing with sickness, or faced with a family emergency, they may simply not have the time to make a meal for their family. There is a reason why meals are usually associated with warm memories—having a meal with a friend is comforting. Don’t just drop the meal off and run; stay for a few minutes and share a meal together. You don’t have to say the perfect thing—your presence shows you care.
Send a Note — A very simple thing you can do to reach out to someone facing a crisis is to send them a message. Keep in touch with notes, emails, and even a text or two offering to help with something specific or just asking them if they need anything. Don’t always take the first no for an answer—check back again and see what they need. This is the key, check back often.
Solve a Problem – Usually when someone is going through a crisis, they are not thinking clearly. This can cause problems when they are faced with making important decisions due to the crisis they are facing. If you can come alongside them and help them process their situation in a respectful and logical fashion, this will help them immensely. You might also have the right contact for them to get whatever help or support they need. Don’t just say I am “thinking of you” or “praying for you” when you have at your disposal exactly what they need help with at that moment.
It is important to remember that creating stronger communities and families starts with you! What may seem like a little thing to you could mean the world to someone else. Don’t sell yourself short—you can offer friendship and make a huge impact when it is needed most.
What are some others ways to be a support to someone facing a crisis? Share in the comments below! Do our weekly posts resonate with you? If you haven’t yet, share these posts with your Facebook friends—they may also resonate with them. I would love to share our weekly posts with them as well!
Your Virtual Mentor,
Doug