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A great editorial at Christianity Today suggests that, When Tragedy Happens, we forget the agendas, abandon temptation toward opportunism, and just be there for those who are suffering. Forget the blame, forget haggling over the "whys," just...be there. Be open. Share grief, offer comfort, offer support.
So simple, anyone can do it...
I once was given a clipping from an unknown Christian publication, a clipping which I subsiquently lost--how many times have I wished it was among my junk. . . Anyways, it was written by John Piper and titled something like, "words of wind." Not sure. Anyways, the premise sticks with me: sometimes people who are in the midst of intense personal pain say things which are not true, which they themselves don't really believe (at least, not when they return to their right minds) and we must simply listen, without judgement, without attempting to "correct" or "reprove." I found this immensely helpful in dealing with others and in understanding myself in times of trouble.
Posted by: Ruthie Cuiabana at June 13, 2007 2:33 PMGreat point, Ruthie. I agree. The process of dealing with trauma can be crazy, and messy.
I think sometimes a life-upsetting event brings to the surface things that we don't normally deal with because we don't have to, or don't realize are there, or because they don't "fit" with the general pattern we live in. Such an event can sort of switch the rooms in the house, so to speak, or rearrange the furniture so that our points of reference are completely changed, if for a time. So we sort of grope our way around for awhile.
Posted by: Bonnie at June 13, 2007 9:09 PMIf you haven't left a comment here before, you may need to be approved before your comment will appear. Until then, it won't appear on the entry. Thanks for waiting.
