After my Father died and was buried, my mother felt an overwhelming urge to clear up everything concerning his demise. Still reeling from the fact that he had taken his own life with a gun, she found it hard to face the public. She knew all the tales that must be swirling about our small town as to the how, why and what will be.
Many people attended my father’s funeral and came to the house to express their concern and condolences. Many said, “I want you to know that I sympathize with you.” All their words of comfort were welcomed, but underneath we felt that they couldn’t possible know how hard it was to face the fact that your loved one just didn’t want to live anymore.
Mother had to go to the Pharmacy for refills of her medicine. The young girl behind the counter rang up the sale and as she handed the medication to Mom, she remarked the she knew about Dad’s death. My Mom, feeling self-conscious about it all, said, “Well, you know he took his own life, right?”
The young girl, with compassion, remarked. “Yes, I know. My father did the same thing. I know what you are going through.”
Now, that comment meant so much more to us that all the myriads of other comments. Why? Because she had walked the same road we were now walking. She knew all the recriminations of “If only I had…..”. She knew the sleepless nights of trying to figure out why he had decided to die. She knew the self- doubt of trying to take the blame for it all. Yes, she could certainly sympathize with us. The fact that she revealed the thing that had caused her so much grief showed her compassionate heart.
Have you been through some battles or storms that God sent your way so that you could help others along this road of life. Do you let embarrassment keep you from being a blessing to them by saying, “I know what you are going through”?
Don’t let Satan keep your tongue silent. Speak up and help those that are hurting by saying, “I understand, I’ve been there”.
Today’s vernacular would be “Been there….done that.” Let them know that things will get better one day out in the future.
God is good all the time and in His goodness, he sent that young lady in to work on just the day our hurting souls needed her.
Audrey Mullen