The Hallway Hug

The Hallway Hug

What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions?

My sister Katrina was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was twenty-three. I was seventeen, still navigating the awkward social, emotional, and academic whirl that is high school.

I remember the day after the diagnosis. I was in first-hour concert choir, wrestling with the uncertainty of my sister being sick, when I suddenly felt like crying. Not wanting to make a scene, I quickly exited the room.

I managed to hold it in until I reached the hallway, which I thought was empty. Sobbing quietly, I hurried toward the restroom, nearly bumping into a boy named Aaron. He and I were in different friend groups that overlapped, but with a graduating class of fewer than two hundred, we knew each other.

Gripping my arms gently to stop me from bowling him over, he asked what was wrong. When I explained, he gathered me into his arms and gave me a huge hug. After a few moments, I thanked him and headed off to the restroom to finish restoring my red-rimmed eyes.

Neither of us ever talked about it again. In fact, he may have forgotten that it ever occurred. Yet I learned a valuable lesson: sometimes, all that’s required of us to be a good friend is to truly notice those around us. Who do you know that is grieving? Who just had a major life transition? Who feels stuck in their job? Who is juggling the demands of being a parent to small children? Who is struggling financially? Who has received a diagnosis or deals with chronic pain? Who might be lonely?

James reminds us that our faith is made evident to others through our works. Meeting the tangible or emotional needs of others and going out of our way to respond with kindness and care is one of the best ways to make friends feel noticed and loved.

— Kristin

— Today’s Act of Friendship —

Send a note to a friend who is struggling.