A Listening Ear

A Listening Ear

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.

We sat across from one another on her well-worn couch, the sound of our kids playing in the basement in the background. She twisted her hair around her finger as she told me of the pain she felt from the recent separation in her marriage and the struggle her children now faced as they dealt with their own pain brought on by her husband who chose to leave his family.

We talked honestly about the pain and trauma kids face, of counseling and medication, of family support and faith. I told her of my own children’s experience with trauma and walking through hard times. Her pain was evident and raw, and instead of turning away, I sat with her in the middle of it, listening as she laid her heart bare, for her and her kids. I nodded in understanding of what she was sharing, without offering platitudes that would do little to help her current state. And somehow, through the process of talking and listening, hope began to spring forth. As I rounded up my children to go home, we smiled at one another, understanding that even when nothing can be truly fixed in the moment, just being able to share is enough. As my family walked out her door, I told her I’d be praying, and we’d meet again soon.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, and therefore, I believe we should also be. Often in our fast-paced world it is uncomfortable to slow down and sit with those who are hurting, but to be a good friend, that is exactly what we will need to do at times. The question we need to ask ourselves is if we are trustworthy people whom others can count on when times get hard. Do we pray for our friends and offer encouragement without denying their pain? Can we sit with the hurting just as Jesus does? It’s never too late to start.

— Kendra

— Today’s Act of Friendship —

Pray for a friend who you know is going through a hard season and then ask if you can be a listening ear for them.