Balm For The Soul - The One Year Daily Acts of Kindness Devotional

Balm for the Soul

Your words have supported those who were falling; you encouraged those with shaky knees.

Job 4:4

It was late in the evening when my friend heard the news that her daughter had died in an accident—and on this mother’s birthday.

I’d spoken to this woman earlier that day, wishing her a happy birthday. I’d sent flowers too. Those actions felt hollow in the wake of such devastating news. I reached out to her quietly via text, letting her know I was thinking of her, that I cared for her and hoped she was doing okay. And then I waited.

On the one-month anniversary of her daughter’s death, I sent her flowers again, telling her that she was loved, letting her know that I felt her grief and continued to mourn with her. When she left a voice mail on my phone, I could hear the sorrow in her tone and the tears causing her voice to tremble.

I’ve never lost a daughter, but I remember the terrible weight of grief I felt at age twenty-two when my sister, at just twenty-eight years old, died after a five-year battle with breast cancer. What I wanted most of all was for people to remember her—to recall how vibrant and wonderful she was, to never forget the life she lived and who she was. And in the ten years since then, I have always been so grateful when people have related to me the memories they have of her: the funny things she did, the thoughtful words she shared with them, the graceful way she carried herself despite her sickness. Whenever I have those conversations, each word spoken is a kindness to me, a balm to my soul that reminds me that life can still be good, even when it feels hard. The least I could do was try to provide that balm to my grieving friend.

The words we speak, the encouragement we give others, can support those who feel like they’re falling. Our words have the power to comfort and heal those who are hurting today.

—Kristin

— Today’s Act of Kindness —

Do you have a friend or loved one who is grieving? Reach out to them in some way—with a phone call, a bouquet of flowers, or a message—and let them know that you are mourning their loss with them.