Do you know someone who has lost a loved one this year?
Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2
Christmas is a joyous season but for many it can be a very lonely, tear-filled month. Below are some ideas on ways we can come alongside the hurting this year:
- Be there. One of the best gifts we can give is ourselves — our time, our energy and a listening ear. They don’t need our answers. The hurting simply need to be heard.
- Help. Maybe a widow needs assistance in decorating, addressing Christmas cards, loading wood for a warm fire, or running errands.
- Plant. Give them a perennial (returns every year) or beautiful tree. In cold climates, consider giving them a gift certificate to a local nursery for spring planting. An added bonus? Be there to help plant. It’s a great time to share good memories…
- Memories. Do you have special memories of their loved one? Consider writing them down (being as specific as possible), recording them, or sharing them aloud.
- Give a gift that keeps giving. Via Gideon International we can donate a Bible for $5.00 in their loved one’s name. Gideon will send a beautiful card to the recipient.
- Last, but certainly not least, pray. There’s no greater gift.
Have you given a gift to a hurting someone? Or perhaps you’ve been the recipient. I’d love to add your ideas to this list, if you’d like to share.
Blessings!
