When I was a little girl, I always thought of Halloween as the grand kick-off for a couple of months of nonstop holiday fun. There seemed to be so much to look forward to: Thanksgiving, my birthday (everyone celebrates that, right??), Christmas, and New Year’s. All of it included yummy food and staying up late. As I anticipate eager little costumed faces greeting me with “Trick or Treat!” when I open the door tonight, I can’t help but think of some of the people in my part of the world that might see this Halloween a little differently. Instead of a kick-off celebration, Halloween might be the first of holidays without loved ones; it might be the first of holidays after hard news. For some in our lives, Halloween might be the kick-off to fresh grieving. What can we do for those we love so dear that may be experiencing this?
- Remember
Think back over the last year and remember anyone in your circles that may have experienced any kind of loss. Most of the time, we come to aid of our loved ones when they are in the thick of loss, and then it’s all too tempting to go back to our everyday lives. What we may not realize is that for people who have experienced loss, the thick of it is only the beginning. Check up on them now. Invite them over for dinner. Take a coffee to them. Go for a walk with them.
- Listen
You don’t have to have answers. You can’t take away their pain like Jesus can. What you can offer, though, is your presence. When we don’t know what to say, it’s best to simply say, “I love you. I’m sorry. I’m here.” Listen to them. Sit with them. Cry with them. Laugh with them. Share stories and remember with them.
- Pray
I always thought it odd when Jesus said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted” (Matthew 5:4). Being in a state of mourning seems to be the least “blessed” place a person could be. I couldn’t imagine trying to be blessed while I mourned. What I didn’t realize is that this verse is really about a promise. People who mourn aren’t blessed because of their circumstances necessarily; they are blessed because Jesus is offering comfort in the middle of their circumstances. We can pray over and with our friends for Jesus to comfort them in their mourning.
One of the many things I absolutely love about Jesus is how he is never put off by our seasons, whether they be seasons of grief, doubt, dryness, or seasons of joy, celebration, and wonder. He meets us where we are and joins us. As Women Disciples, we can follow Christ by doing the same for those around us.
Movement Step: Pray and ask God to show you who you can spend extra time loving well this holiday season. Consider doing the above steps.
