My dad often quoted Jim Elliott, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”
All of us probably know someone who could use some comfort during these difficult holiday times. After losing Isaac, we would often joke about some of the things people say at a funeral or memorial service. For example, they will often ask, “How are you doing?” or “How are you holding up?” or “I know what it feels like and it will be right soon.” These are but a few of things people say that can be very difficult to take when you are going through hurt.
Give a Word of Comfort to Others Feeling Loss
Isaac Wallace Waller, born April 11th, 1980, went to his eternal reward on November 4th, 2005, while involved in volunteer service to the people of Mongolia.
Things that were more encouraging were people just being there for us. Some still have this compelling urge to say something so here a few statements that were encouraging during a time when I was struggling with the loss of my brother, “I am praying for you and your family” or “I am sorry about your loss” or perhaps offering “Can I do anything or get you anything right now?” Honestly, someone just being there with me and listening meant much more than many words.
One name that is somewhat forgotten is Jesus, the man of sorrows. He was acquainted with grief and He is the One who can bring comfort to those who are hurting and He longs to do so! Comforting others with His Words are often the best. He is the One who knows us and will always be there for us. Friends and family may let us down but Jesus does not. Here are a few:
“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God” (I Corinthians 1:3-4).
“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness” (Isaiah 41:10).
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jeremiah 29:11).
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4).
Comments
wow!! that’s sad! sorry for the loss of your brother. if you don’t mind my asking, were they attack by some terrorist while volunteering? in 2005 my parents and uncle were involved in a real bad accident, while some cops were chasing a car. my uucle passed away and my dad was seriously injured and my mother was injured very badly. Thank God we still have them here today. this accident happen while they were coming home from seeing my granpa in the hospital. my uncle died jan 5 2005 (the day of the accident) and my grandfather died jan 22 2005 and my sister’s birthday and my grandfather’s sister’s birthday were jan 23. life is a crazy place. my grandmother had died a year earlier on jan 2 2004 (my sister n laws birthday). but they’re in a better place and I thank God for all the blessings each and everyday and for my parents. 🙂
I am so sorry for the loss of your dear one. May you be comforted by the Comforter.