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IT IS BETTER TO DEFEND OTHERS THAN TO DEFRIEND THEM

Let’s defend and not defriend the people in our lives who are not on the same plane as us. Yes, some of us are lost in the traffic of life; in our homes, workplaces, and church because no one cares or feels the desire to at least investigate what is going on or even lend a helping hand. People are floating through life with anger and rage because they are being treated unjustly, punished for speaking up, being isolated, and labeled as troublemakers who are not listening or learning, disobedient to God, and unconverted. Who appointed you to assign these labels to others, thou hypocrite? Cast the plank out of your eyes first (Matthew 7: 3-5), then you will have a heart of empathy towards others.  70 X7 (Matthew 18:21-22) is the number of times Jesus admonished us to forgive, which is ceaseless.

We constantly pop people into boiling water. Like a tea bag, they expand, giving others a nice cup of tea while they are squeezed out and dumped into the trash. Do you sometimes feel like a tea bag and wished you could just sit and enjoy a cup of tea too? Of course, you do. However, others won’t allow you to because they consider you unworthy. We are mere mortals and none of us is perfect. God created all men equal; we are different, yet we have the same physiological. emotional and social needs, according to Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. We can all get along despite race, ethnicity, and social and economic status. To do so, we must stop suffocating others with our dogmas and allow them to breathe just like we would.

People are suffering from many complexes because of various reasons: their mothers rejected them while in the womb, abandoned them at birth, or during their childhood.  Hence, they go about life looking for a sense of belonging while suffering deep pain that is comparable to a deep gash from a wound that will not heal.  Inwardly, they are crying out for help, and no one notices their silent cries.  They live with criticism, blame, and shame. Despite all their steadfast efforts, there are overshadowed, overlooked, belittled, criticized, and dehumanized.

Are these the characteristics of Jesus Christ, the God of love? I think not. He went about doing good (Acts 10:38). He healed the believer and the unbeliever, and hung out with the dejected and scourged of society. Our capacity to love is impaired because we have not experienced love, therefore we cannot give it. The good news is that “LOVE IS THE UNIVERSAL LAW”. It is God’s law of love; love God, and your neighbor as yourself (Mark 12: 30-31). When you love God, it is easier to love everyone and not isolate a group or a person because they don’t think, look, and talk like you or their lifestyle differs from yours.  Christians, unless we love others unconditionally, we will be cast into outer darkness when Christ comes again. Examine yourself to see if you have a heart that genuinely cares for humanity. The world needs our love now. Love is a precious gift! Let’s gift others with our love today. 

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GOD WILL SEND HELP IN TIMES OF TROUBLE

1 SAMUEL 17:1-51

Saul, the King of Israel had a war on his hands. They were going up against the Philistine’s giant, Goliath. He breathed fear into the minds of every soldier in Israel’s army. He taunted and terrified them as he asked for a man to fight him on the condition if he wins Israel would become their slave and vice versa.

David walked into this milieu when he was asked by his father to take food to his three older brothers who were in the army. Upon his arrival, David left his carriage in the hands of the valet and hurried towards the army where he greeted his brothers. He was in the midst of a conversation with them about the war when Goliath showed up and cursed them. The men of Israel became afraid and fled. They looked defeated and spoke about being defeated. However, in the midst of the despair, someone mentioned that whoever defeated the giant would receive; wealth, royal marriage, and freedom in their father’s house. David showed interest in this and asked for more clarification. He referred to Goliath as an uncircumcised philistine who was defying the army of the living God.

His oldest brother became angry and questioned his motive for coming and insinuated that he left their father’s sheep without help. He accused him of being prideful and naughty. Sounds like jealousy, right? In his defense, David asked if he had wronged him and if there wasn’t a cause for him to be there. He turned away from his brother to another person and he continued to voice his concerns. When family members, friends, coworkers, and enemies try to stop us from fulfilling our divine calling we must step away from them and seek answers elsewhere.

Finally, Saul heard about David and sent for him. David encouraged Saul by advising him that he was willing to go to the battlefront to fight for Israel. Saul initially discouraged him by reminding him that he was just a boy and that Goliath was experienced as a man of war. This did not deter David. Instead, he proceeded to recite his track record: Killed a bear and recovered lamb and killed a lion and recovered lamb. He went against the toughest opponent and won. He added that Goliath would be next. Most importantly he told the king that it was God who gave him the victory over these powerful beasts.

Saul was convinced by the bravado of this young boy and agreed to place him in the war. He armed him with his armor, brass helmet, and coat of mail and David girded his sword. David hesitated because something didn’t feel right. He believed in the power of God to deliver with a minimal approach and he took off his protection and handed them back to Saul stating he could not use them. he took what was familiar; his staff, and five smooth stones which he placed in his shepherd’s bag. He kept his sling in his hand while he advanced toward his enemy. Goliath drew near as well with his shield-bearer in front. Although it appeared like David was alone; he had the heavenly army with him.

Goliath disdained David. He felt insulted that they sent a boy to fight him. He hurled abuse at him and his God while threatening to kill him and let the birds and beasts have a meal of him. Finally, David spoke these profound words, “you come to me with sword, spear, and shield, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel whom thou defies”. He was sure that God would deliver him and told Goliath in no uncertain terms that you’re a dead man and that his God would be glorified that day. He finished his testimony by declaring that the battle was God’s and that he had the victory!

As he stood up to his giant he came near to David. David ran towards him and took out his stone slung it and Goliath fell down. Now their champion was dead and they were running from Israel who chased them and wounded them and took their possessions. Why was David sure he would defeat Goliath? He knew God through a solid relationship with Him and had proved Him many times. How wonderful it would be if when we face trials we glorified God and declare victory without seeing the outcome. David was willing to die for his fellowmen that day and God assured him victory. He wants to fight for you today. Just remember the battle is the Lords!

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THERE IS HEALING IN THE POWER OF A TOUCH

The story in Luke 8: 45- 55 chronicles the end journey of a lifetime of pain and suffering for this woman of God. She was very ill but never gave up because she willed herself to live. Her earthly resources were exhausted and she had nothing left. Despite this infirmity, she kept pressing on in faith knowing that she will be healed although not knowing when and how.

On this given day, Jesus was visiting her town and there is no doubt that the news quickly spread because everywhere He went He had a huge following. He was lauded and celebrated by all; those who loved Him and those who hated him. Though very frail she positioned herself in the crowd no doubt being trampled on as she crawled because she didn’t have the energy to stand. She heard about JESUS and she believed that He could heal her and make her whole. She trembled with excitement as she inched closer to Him planning her strategy of when to reach out and touch Him. As she got close enough, she reached her hand and touched the border of His garment from behind, and immediately felt the power of the touch that healed her. JESUS stopped what He was doing and asked “who touched me”? He felt the transforming power left His body to hers and He wanted her to testify. She knelt in humility at Jesus’s feet and confessed and He called her daughter and declared to her that it was her faith that made her whole (Luke 8:48).

Many of us are suffering from chronic illnesses today and we have not received our healing. Is it because we lack the faith or the will to be made whole? God wants to heal us but we must read His word, pray and listen to what the Holy Spirit is telling us to do, and follow in obedience. It was His Holy Spirit that directed that woman to that place of healing where she experienced the most electrifying touch in her life. Do you want a touch like that? Commit your plan and ways to the Lord and He will bring it to pass (Proverbs 16:2-4). Let our hearts, hands, and prayers touch heaven this year so that we can experience that powerful, personal, and healing touch from the Master, JESUS CHRIST!

My friend’s husband recently published a book titled: The Will to Heal. You can check it out at this link:

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GET HELP NOW WITH MENTAL HEALTH ILLNESS

Mental health illness is an invisible disease because often no one knows about it. Except for the sufferer, although they sometimes don’t know that what they are experiencing is more than a case of the blue.  Since it is so difficult to detect, it can go unnoticed for years. Hence, it takes an informed person and someone who has a real bond with those individuals to recognize the symptoms when they are suffering from a mental illness and urges them to get help right away.

According to the Mayo Clinic, some symptoms of mental health illness are:

  • Feeling sad or down
  • Confused thinking or reduced ability to concentrate
  • Excessive fears or worries, or extreme feelings of guilt
  • Extreme mood changes of highs and lows
  • Withdrawal from friends and activities
  • Significant tiredness, low energy or problems sleeping
  • Detachment from reality (delusions), paranoia or hallucinations
  • Inability to cope with daily problems or stress
  • Trouble understanding and relating to situations and to people
  • Problems with alcohol or drug use
  • Major changes in eating habits
  • Sex drive changes
  • Excessive anger, hostility or violence
  • Suicidal thinking

In the last couple of years, many prominent people in our society had Suicidal Ideation and sadly acted on it. Published literature describes Suicidal ideations (SI), as suicidal thoughts or ideas,  and is a broad term used to describe a range of contemplations, wishes, and preoccupations with death and suicide. There was darkness in their souls which they skillfully covered from a society that expects them to be great and “fine” even when they’re crushed inside.  After covering their mental anguish for years, they finally succumb to the pressure that eventually consumes them.  Many people do not want to hear the truth because the truth is costly. It requires listening with the heart and for some of us, our hearts are closed to the world.  Hence, we continue to act indifferently to those who are suffering.

Mental health illness is a critical illness that is likened to a pressure cooker. If we do not lift the lid and let out the steam, it will explode and the consequences can be detrimental to life and property. Therefore, I urge you to ease the lid and let the steam out while there is still time to escape. Why not take the time and talk to a cherished friend with whom you have a spiritual bond or a professional counselor today? Help is abundant out there for those who are mentally ill. However, it is up to them to recognize that they are unwell and need help and reach out to someone who can steer them in the right direction. Get help now!  Contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.

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WHEN LIFE THROWS BLOWS – FIGHT BACK

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Have you ever found yourself in a situation where someone picks on you and makes it their duty point to make your life a living hell?  This is what I experienced over the last couple of years.  The attacks were vicious, hateful, and targeted.  I became broken and defeated. I reached the point where I felt diminished as a human being.  This psychological abuse crippled me at the core and it took me almost a year before I reported it. Sadly, nothing was done about it and this added to my pain knowing that this monster was allowed to get away with tormenting me without any consequences.

Although the stress was chronic, I continued to write posts for my audience and carried on under the weight. One morning while I was wrestling with why this was happening to me, the inspired words came to my thoughts, and I wrote them down. I suddenly felt empowered, and it has been life-changing for me. Then it occurred to me to get them on Tees because this is not only my story. Yes, there are people in this world who will make you feel that way despite your race or ethnicity. Visit our store at  https://teesdees.etsy.com and get your tees that will inspire you to challenge the negativity you will face in this world! 

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Let’s stamp out #stigma, #hate by showing love to others now. Support this ministry by getting your T-shirt today. May it empower you as it did me to STAND UP AND SPEAK OUT! https://teesdees.etsy.com

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THE GOOD AND BAD OF IMMIGRATION

Ruth 1 & 2

Throughout history, people have emigrated to other countries, hoping to take advantage of better economic opportunities. However, for some people, this can become a nightmare of hardship and pain.  Here Elimelech, his wife Naomi, and their two sons moved to better pastures because there was a famine in the land of Bethlehem-Judah. They settled in the land of Moab.  In a very short time, Naomi was bereaved of her husband. The son married local women, Ruth and Orpah, and the family continued there for ten years. However, tragedy struck and this time she lost both of her sons.  Now, this was too much for Naomi and she decided it was time for her to go back home to the familiar territory because she heard that the famine was over.  She discussed this with her daughters-in-law, encouraging them to go back to their family homes. However, Ruth stayed with her. Ruth 1:16.

Upon her arrival in Bethlehem, they greeted Naomi warmly, although they scarcely recognized her because the hardship had taken a toll, aged, and enfeebled her.  They asked, is this, Naomi? Her response was “call me not Naomi, call me Mara because God has dealt bitterly with me. I went out full and came back empty”. She had lost everyone and everything that meant anything to her, and this experience embittered her because she felt God had severely afflicted her.  However, her return to her country was a blessing; Ruth was like a daughter to her, and she became a grandmother and through that lineage, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, was born.

Do you feel that the Lord’s hand is afflicting you? Are you feeling like Mara today? Good news whom the Lord loves He chastens. Do not despise the chastening of the Lord, it will get better. When we face the furnace of affliction, it is to test, strengthen, purify, and cleanse. Have hope in GOD!

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WHAT IS THAT TO YOU? FOLLOW ME

JOHN 21: 20-22

Jesus is asking the same question He asked Peter when they were together” WHAT IS THAT TO YOU FOLLOW ME”? When we are following Jesus, we must avoid at all costs every distraction by not becoming overly engrosses in things that do not concern us. Most of us spend a significant part of our lives minding other people’s business instead of caring for our spiritual health.  Sometimes we become preoccupied with the wrong things and overly care for others while neglecting to care for our health and well-being.

2023 is here! Let us put off the old man and put on the new man. Let us be mindful that God is supreme and we are mortals. He is not asking us to sit and think all day about our burdens and other people’s problems to overwhelm us. No one has the time to single-handedly spent with everyone daily.  Only God alone has all the time in the world because He created time. He is the only one who is always available to all 8 billion of us at the same time because He is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent. (Psalm 139:7-13).

Let us strive to spend more time with Him, building characters that will last throughout the ceaseless ages of eternity. Our attitudes should be when confronted with problems, “what is that to me”? God got this because only he alone has the power to change things, not man.  We must keep following God even amid the pressing trails. We know He is with us and promised that He will never leave or forsake us because He wants what is best for us and that is eternity.  Will you allow Him to guide your life or continue to trade your eternity for now?

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ARE YOUR LIMITING  BELIEFS BLURRING YOUR VISION OF THE FUTURE?

As I reflected on the adage, “belief kill and belief cure”, I felt impressed to tune into my own beliefs and after deep thoughts and reflections, I came up with these:

  • I believe in God – Genesis 1:1
  • I believe in myself.
  • I believe in the talents He has given me to bless humanity.
  • I believe in those who love will accept others despite their differences.
  • I believe in parents allowing their children to be themselves and not a mini version of them.
  • I believe that well-thinking parents sometimes create wounds in their children that leave perpetual scars.
  • I believe in the power of love and inner strength to overcome societal, physical, and psychological barriers.
  • I believe we have the power to create the life we want.
  • I believe that old-school thoughts can complement new-school thoughts.
  • I believe all people can coexist amicably by respecting and accepting them in their social and cultural contexts.
  • I believe that those who are empathetic have worked hard at keeping their hearts softened by doing good.
  • I believe things will only get better if you do something.
  • I believe that everything good for you will find you.
  • I believe opportunities are always there for those who look for them.
  • I believe opposites attract, however, like-minded is better.
  • I believe that words have the power to inflate or deflate a person’s fragile ego.
  • I believe that a long walk is a powerful therapeutic boost for mental health.
  • I believe there is perfect timing for everything.
  • I believe love is reciprocal.
  • I believe Jesus will return to earth. – 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
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WHAT ARE YOU WILLING TO SACRIFICE FOR A BETTER YOU?

We are standing on the edge of a brand-New Year 2023!  For many of us, our lives have been at a standstill for years. How do we pull ourselves up from where we are to live out our best life instead of just getting through the next year? It takes the ultimate sacrifice; something that is uncomfortable but necessary. What are you willing to sacrifice this year so that you can live a happier and healthier life in 2023? Each year we make resolutions that we are not resolute to keep and are often abandoned before it starts. What sacrifice did you make for yourself in 2022? Mine was seven weeks off from work and school.  I was under a lot of stress and completely exhausted and health issues didn’t make it easier.  I needed to be present for me. I followed one of my passions and reconnected with myself, my friends, and my family, and also spent more time with God. During this time amazing things happened, my mind was calmer and relaxed and I felt a peace that I have not experienced in years. It felt like a spiritual rebirth and I want my life to be like this every day of my life.  There were no calendars, or deadlines my life came to a complete halt and I spent each day in a meaningful way just doing the things I wanted to do for me.  It was a bold move and I couldn’t afford it but then I couldn’t afford to.

God made us for His pleasure (Revelations 4:11), and He doesn’t want us to stress out ourselves with this world’s expectations of us instead of following our heart, using the talent and gifts He bequeathed to us, and doing what we think is best for us.  Whatever you are struggling with or think you must have it is not worth sacrificing your health and well-being for any material gain.  What shall it profit a man if he gains the world…( Mark 8:36-38). Start honoring yourself by doing more of those things that improve your health and well-being, reverse those lifestyle diseases or genetic diseases handed down to you from your parents and fore-parents. Strive to become a better human being; mentally, spiritually, socially, and emotionally. Let us make ourselves proud in 2023 by spreading deep joy, light, peace, and exuberance wherever we go and to whomever, we meet. Let’s determine to have a solid sacrificial year for ourselves.

When we honor ourselves by taking care of our bodies which are the temple of the Holy Spirit, God honors us. It was amazing how God took great care of me and I had no lack. It was a joyous time for me. I experienced healing on a physical, mental and spiritual level. God wants to give us His best, however, He wants us to do an inventory of our lives and see how we have been using the time He gave us and see what we have reaped from the many bad investments we have made; financial, emotional, and physical.  Start by making simple changes that will enable you to have a calmer life, by being kind to yourself and keeping well! Have an exhilarating New Year!

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SELF-ABANDONMENT – ARE YOU GUILTY?

We abandon ourselves when we cannot do the little things daily that nurture and nourish our mental, physical, spiritual, and overall well-being. Our primary responsibility is to take care of ourselves and then try to help others do the same. When we fail at self-care, we leave ourselves vulnerable to physical, mental, and spiritual weakness. It isn’t God’s idea for us to work ourselves to the point of our dangling nerves. Instead, we were meant to live lives that are rich, rewarding, and engaging. He gave us a 24-hour respite each week, and this doesn’t mean that we must not carve out time every single day for rest (Exodus 20:8-11). When we cannot take the time to care for ourselves, we will find our overworked, undernourished, and fatigued bodies succumbing to many maladies. A powerful mind lives in a strong body.

We say we love ourselves, yet everything we do contradicts this. We spend countless hours trying to entertain and please people, cooking, cleaning, and running errands to the detriment of our health. What about us? Are we not important enough to step aside and spend some time with ourselves to nurture and nourish our body mind and spirit? Yesterday, the world awakened to the shocking news of the death of another celebrity, DJ Twitch, who from his outward appearance had it all going for him. Yet no one saw the longing of his soul because it cannot be seen with human eyes. People are crying out for more and it is not for more money, and followers on social media but for more quality time with “ME”. This is one of the most selfless things you can do for yourself. Some are afraid to withdraw from public life for a while because it is not the thing they do, fearing public backlash or losing followers. Let them leave. Many more will follow. A good friend loveth at all times (Proverbs 17:17) and when people care about you, they allow you the space you need to take care of yourself and be authentic. Our bodies are fearfully and wonderfully made, yet they are not machines, and they break from time to time. The problem is that they often warn us by sending creaking, pesty sounds we do not want to hear. When we ignore them, it is to our detriment because a simple oil change can become a complete overhaul of the engine, which is the heart of the vehicle, and takes much longer to fix.

How to you spend time with yourself

Being kind to yourself is the first step in self-care. Instead of jumping out of bed in the morning, do it slowly. Look at yourself in the mirror and affirm yourself. Do the simple little things such as brushing your teeth, taking a shower, combing your hair, having a good meal, and being present while you are doing it. Put “you” at the top and bottom of your daily schedule every day because you are more important than anything you could ever do. Take mini-vacations, and long vacations, hug longer,  and spend time alone or with people who are “self-carers” not “self-drainers.”

Live your life on your terms

Stop allowing people to manipulate you into doing what they think you should be doing. Find yourself and do those things that are meaningful to you and nurture your mind and body. Don’t be afraid to start all over. Sometimes this is what many of us need to do instead of remaining stuck in the corner we have placed ourselves in. Give yourself permission to move out and explore the world around you and your innate gifts.  We all have many gifts, but we harp on just one which is just as draining.  Try something new daily. You might find that you have more talents than you think. Listen to your heart and do what it is telling you to do without fear. Life is risky and one cannot live without taking risks: take a hike, go bungee jumping, zip-lining.  Do something fun and amazing!

Spend quality time with God

Put God first in your life. Set aside time to be with Him daily because He is the power source of all wisdom. Talk with Him about your life, concerns, family, the future because He yearns to hear them. Read the Bible daily and praise Him as well. He wants to comfort you when you are broken by giving you that safe space to heal. He wants to guide and give you the life He has planned for you.

Spend quality time with family

God created us to be a community. We are never meant to be alone. Spending quality time with family creates bonds and trust, provides support, and improves our overall health. Those who don’t have a family can spend time with friends or church members because this is good for you and increases longevity.

Although it is good to do good, let your first good be taking care of you today!

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RELYING ON ALLIES WHEN IN TROUBLE

GENESIS 14:10-18

There was a war in Sodom and Gomorrah. The king fell into the slime pit and they captured Lot along with his goods. Abraham learned of his fate through his confederates. Right away, he knew he needed trusted allies to rely on that would help him gain an advantage over the enemy. He knew he was in a strange land and would have enemies. Today, our confederates should be our prayer partners who will intercede with God for us until they make the pitfalls known.

Arming for Battle

This requires trusted men who are prepared for war. Abraham was always prepared for war, hence he had a mini army of 318 highly trained and skilled men in his house. As the body of Christ, we must fight together, not against each other. When God’s people are anointed with the Holy Spirit’s fire, there is nothing we cannot conquer. Abraham, though old, did not remain at home because he was the commandeering chief, and he knew the importance of his presence. Hence, he gathered his army, discussed their strategies, and off they went in pursuit of the enemy, who was stronger in the army than them. They had just defeated five kings and taken away great spoils. However, this did not deter the man of God who knew that the battle is the Lord’s. Therefore, he was assured that the victory was his.

Testing keeps us humble and faithful

You might ask why God allowed Lot to be captured and put this golden ager at high risk. God wanted Abraham to remember that he is still useful in His service and that He must keep exercising his faith and trust in Him. Today, God might give us tests to keep us alert because the enemy, Satan, is always on the prowl. Hence, we must never become complacent but always prepare because the attacks usually come without warning and we will destroy us if we are not ready to fight back. Failure to prepare gives the enemy an advantage over us and although we might overcome, our lives might not be the same because we got wounded or suffered a great loss. Let us always prepare like a soldier.

The big win

Abraham and his team smote them and brought back Lot, his goods, and all his helpers, women, and men. They recovered everything that was stolen. What a powerful example of preparation and readiness for life’s unforeseen challenges! Abraham returned home to a hero’s welcome because through God, he accomplished the impossible. God is the same and today He wants to accomplish something impossible in your life. However, you must show your readiness by studying His words, praying, and listening to the Holy Spirit, then stepping out in faith. We also need godly people in our lives as confederates who will pray for us and warn us when we are in imminent danger and continue with warfare on our behalf.

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COMFORTING OTHERS IN TIMES OF TROUBLE

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JOB 2: 11-13

Now when Job’s friends heard of all this evil that was come upon him, they came every one from his own place; Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. They made an appointment together to come to mourn with him and comfort him.

Go, Sit, and Support

How do you relate to those who are suffering from personal loss, chronic illnesses, or tragedy? Most people will pick up the phone and call, send a card, and sometimes money.  These well-intentioned mean nothing to the person who is saddled with grief and pain.  The greatest gift you could give to anyone who is suffering from illness, grief, or personal loss is to show up and be present. When people are at the most vulnerable points in their lives, they need family and friends to surround them with love, empathy, understanding, and positivity. Since the pain is incomprehensible, these little acts of love will go a long way toward the healing process. 

When the devil slapped boils all over Job’s body, he lost his health and, as a result, bore excruciating pain every day and night.  His three friends, when they heard of his sufferings, made an appointment to visit him. While they were afar, they noticed the shadow of the man he once was and were overcome with deep emotions. They wept bitterly, rented their mantle, and sprinkled dust upon their head, which is a symbol of fasting. These men loved their friends and all the love, support and encouragement, compassion poured out of them through tears.  I am reminded of when Jesus wept shortly before raising Lazarus from death(John 11:35-45). When was the last time you cried with someone who was going through pain and suffering?

They sat on the ground with him for 7 days and 7 nights, and they all did it in silence because through empathy they understood the extent of his suffering.  I would love to have friends like these, and I am sure you would too.  When our loved ones and friends are hurting, we must make the time to visit with them and comfort them even for one meaningful hour. They will appreciate it. And while you are there, just remain quiet because they don’t need your opinion and your not-so-funny jokes. Wrong timing! Only your presence is appreciated.

Another interesting thing that these conscientious friends did was remain silent for the first 7 days. When people are in deep anguish, the last thing they want to do is to talk. They respected Job so much that they gave him the space which allowed him to speak only when he was ready. It took him 7 days to utter his first words. He needed that time to think and reflect on what had happened to him and his friends empowered him with their support to do so.  Many have criticized Job’s friends for judging him however, they failed to acknowledge the positive aspects of their character. They were genuine friends, not superficial, and even the best of us will mess up.  Many of us can learn how to become authentic Christian friends through these three men. I challenge you to read prayerfully Job 2 and let it change your life today.