There are times when someone we love, or know is hurting.  Perhaps there has been a death in the family, divorce or separation, job loss...  there are so many things that can cause pain.  

In some cases, people will ask for prayer.  Other simply stay silent, trying to deal with grief on their own.  Hopefully, these people will have friends and family who will nurture them, and help them through the process of healing.

But what about the silent ones?  The ones we’ve heard about, yet they have kept their distance.  Saying a prayer for that person just doesn’t seem to be enough, yet it is the best gift we can give that person.  Still... we long to do more, but the question is what?

One woman I know writes notes of love and compassion.  She seems to know just to say and I would call her and encourager.  She prays for each person as well.

Another woman creates baskets for people who’ve lost loved ones.  Each basket contains a Teddy Bear, Journal and Pen.  She writes the first entry in the Journal, to make it easier for next entry.  For a Journal can be a step towards healing.  The Teddy Bear is a symbol of her love.  She also prays for each person.

An elderly man bakes loaves of bread.  He calls them loaves of love.  He wraps the bread in colored saran wrap, and then tucks it into a napkin in small basket.  He usually attaches a note inviting the recipient for a cup of coffee.  I asked him why he does this, and he said, “When I lost my job, a man in my church did this for me because he knew how hard it is.”  He prays for these wounded men.

And then there are the people who give the gift of their time and love.  They visit the home-bound, and those who need a listening ear.  These people spend time each week listening because they are concerned, and they care.  They pray too.

Every day is an opportunity to help someone in need.  Follow your heart, and you will find a friend.