How Can I Help?

How Can I Help?

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.

One of my adopted children has always struggled with some separation anxiety. It came to a climax one fall after months of tears over simple things like leaving for school in the morning and going to piano lessons. My husband and I finally decided it was time to seek some professional intervention, and we made the necessary appointments to help our daughter manage her anxiety.

At the same time, I confided in a good friend about the struggles we were having, and after relaying my fears and praying together, she asked, “How can I help?” She wanted to know practical ways she could support our family, and as she has a daughter who is the same age and a friend to my child, she came up with several suggestions for ways they could help our family through this time. She offered each idea with grace in mind, and her response to my child’s struggle with anxiety was loving and compassionate. We made a plan that my daughter would test some of her new ways to manage her fears while at her friend’s house, all with the understanding that her mom knew what was going on and would bring her home at any time if things got to be too much. This helped my daughter gain confidence, and over time her anxiety lessened, making me forever grateful for a friend who listened and supported our family through a hard season with kindness and compassion.

We’re so much better and stronger together. One of the greatest things we can do for a friend going through a hard time is to ask, “How can I help?” and then listen for their answer. It also doesn’t hurt to offer some specific ways you could help support them. There is no better comfort than knowing that you are not going through something alone, that your friend is right there with you, praying for you and walking with you through the difficulty.

— Kendra

— Today’s Act of Friendship —

Spend some time listening to a friend who is going through a hard time and then ask how you can help her.