When Friendship Takes Action

When Friendship Takes Action

I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard.

My sister Katrina was diagnosed with breast cancer at age twenty-three. At the time, she had a young daughter and had just started radiation therapy when she found out she was pregnant with a son. My sister adored her children and spent time with them whether or not she felt well. But over the next five years, as she continued to battle cancer, Katrina would have periods when she was healthy interspersed with times when she was very sick.

As a young mother, Katrina’s cancer battle was exponentially more exhausting. Not only did she have to juggle potty training, temper tantrums, and preschool pickup but there were also times when she became so sick that she couldn’t get out of bed. Although she had a wonderful group of friends who prayed with her, encouraged her, and brought meals, one friend in particular offered a very practical gift. For many months, Carol volunteered to clean Katrina’s home from top to bottom, spending several hours once a week on the task.

If I’m honest, there are many days when cleaning my own home feels like a sacrifice. I hardly want to scrub my own toilets or fold my own laundry, much less do someone else’s. Yet Carol’s decision to be the literal hands and feet of Jesus removed some of the burdens my sister carried in a tangible way. The hard work Carol put into cleaning tubs and tile, scrubbing the kitchen floor, and vacuuming bedrooms was a gift that lasted long after she returned to her own home. Her actions are a good reminder to me that, as a friend, I can support others simply through my own hard work. God doesn’t ask us to use money we don’t have or talents we weren’t given to help others—he asks us to utilize the things we already possess. And sometimes, all it requires is the use of our own two hands.

— Kristin

— Today’s Act of Friendship —

Brainstorm a task or action you can take that would help a friend in need. Then, follow through on it.