Last week I read online about a family tragedy someone I
know has been dealing with, a hardship that would make anyone who’s ever
stressed over a dinner menu embarrassed beyond belief. My
Which sadly, led me to several times of struggle in my own life
where people shot off some incredibly stupid things. Specific incidences come
to mind. In the aftermath of my miscarriages. When my family received news my
sister’s tumor was malignant. But one of the worst “warnings” came when I visited
a drug rehab as a sixth grader, in effort to help my older sister on her road
toward recovery. One of the counselors looked right at me and said I’d end up
just like my sister. (P.S. Hey Clueless Counselor from the late 80s, I am like
my sister in creative and risk-taking ways. I did not turn out just like her in
the heartbreaking addictions she’s suffered. Thanks for the vote of confidence.
Did wonders for my sixth grade psyche.)
All this to say, I’ve come to learn there are ways to handle
situations where few or no words suffice better than impulsive ramblings. Words
will never cure a tragedy. But timely, discerning words, spoken with wisdom,
can provide unexpected encouragement and a balm to the soul.
What To Say When There Are No Words
- Love. Express your love for the person. So much is communicated in that one word. Often, you don’t need to bookend that word with anything. It’s strong on its own.
- “I’m sorry you’re going through this.” Saying this evokes empathy and indicates that you care. It’s simple, but it can speak volumes.
- “How can I be there for you?” People feel loved during times of hardship in different ways. A meal might be perfect for one person and repulsive to another. Some people need time to cry by themselves, while others need to know they can wipe their snotty nose on your sleeve and you won’t judge them.
- Don’t feed them an answer for the unexplainable why. This one is more what not to say. Bite your tongue before you spill off a list of reasons why this tragedy might be happening. I got my share of these after the miscarriages. Not a single one comforted, encouraged, or made me feel at peace with my situation. Mostly, when people spouted off their guesses as to why I lost my babies I felt like they had some insider information I didn’t. I’ve grown more comfortable with leaving questions unanswered, at letting that be part of my journey.
- Validate the hurt. There are unique ways to do this. Avoid saying things like “I know exactly how you feel...” Instead, focus on them and how the circumstances might be impacting their life.
- “You are not alone.” Again, not the time to share a long story about how your Aunt Betty also got cancer and is now in complete remission. But…I do think there’s value in letting someone know they’re not alone. Certain situations can feel extremely lonely. This reminder, at a thoughtful time, can provide wonderful comfort.
- Something. There’s the temptation to keep quiet, to not say anything out of fear you’ll say the wrong thing. I get it. I’ve said plenty of screwball things in my life, meaning well. But avoidance communicates the message that this great sad thing they’re going through isn’t important to you—that you have too much going on in your own life to bother to reach out.
- Nothing. Wait, what? I know, I know. I just suggested to say something. But there’s a difference between saying any old thing and saying something well-timed and thought out. Just as there are seasons for everything, I truly believe there are times to just close your mouth and reach out your arms for a hug. Or times to pass on a letter. Or, as one child did so memorably for me following a long season of darkness, to extend out a handful of yellow daffodils.
Hmm. I was only planning on whipping up a quick little post.
Guess I had a lot to say on the subject. ;-)
*A huge shout-out thanks to Carrie, for you know what.
