How to help? Here are a few ways:
- Initiate contact with your friend this holiday season, even if it is awkward.
- Think of simple and practical ways to show you care...pick up something needed at the market, bring by a cup of coffee, send a card, send a daily "thinking of you" text, offer to fix sothing that is broken, bring them a Christmas ornament, a copy of an interesting article, a magazine or a baked good.
- Help your friend fight against isolation...invite them into your lives...go shopping together, have a meal together, invite your friend to the Christmas service at your church.
- Acknowledge their loss. When we have lost a significant person in our lives through death, we want to know others still think of their loved one.
- Donate to a meaningful charity in the name of your friends loved one and let your friend know. Send your friend a card commemorating the gift.
- Help connect your friend to someone stronger on their similar road. Make an introduction and tactfully bring up what they have in common.
- Give your friend uplifting reading material that shares Scripture.
- Pray for your friend, and if they will allow it pray with them focusing on God's promises of hope in every situation.
- Give cards with Scriptures that pertain to your friends circumstances. The Psalms are wonderful sources of encouragement and strength. For example, "My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth!" Psalm 121:2
- Help enlarge your friends perspective beyond today, beyond the holidays and help them remember they will not always feel the intensity of the pain they have today but that with Christ there is great hope for every tomorrow.
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