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Help For the Holidays

“We sing "Joy to the World," and yet in many homes, there is no joy. And many cry out to God in this season, "Where are You?”

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The holidays are upon us and today, I am aware of the pain and grief around me. A fiery crash on a local freeway snuffed out the lives of five victims, and twenty-seven others had their holiday schedules interrupted by injury. Only two years ago, my brother's Thanksgiving celebration was brought to a cruel standstill when his mother-in-law died in an automobile crash. Today, there are families attending children in hospitals all over the country, many dying of disease or facing chemotherapy and other life-threatening procedures.

We somehow expect that when the holiday season comes, all of these traumatic things will fade away. Why doesn't God hold them back, as He did with the waters of the Red Sea, allowing us to pass through into the New Year untouched? We sing "Joy to the World," and yet in many homes, there is no joy. And many cry out to God in this season, "Where are You? Do you really care about me?"

A look at scripture tells us that God always cares. He is always there. But these words often fall on hearts too burdened to receive them. How can we minister His love to grieving people in this season?

Listen
Loneliness and isolation are magnified when we look out on a world so seemingly full of joy. Ask your grieving friend to share what he is feeling. As he shares his grief and loneliness, also ask him to remember a happier time and listen as he unburdens his heart and unlocks his emotions.
Touch
We all need reassurance from time to time. Holding a hand, a light touch on the shoulder or a good hug can fill a heart with warmth in the lonely holiday season. Doctors have proven that hugs have a healing quality…. And when we give one, we also are blessed to receive one!
Invite
Include lonely friends in your holiday celebrations. There is nothing so sad as to spend Christmas watching the television by yourself. Plan a time when everyone can join in without embarrassment as you sing or share the Christmas story. You might even want to take someone shopping with you or go view holiday decorations and have cup of coffee together.
Help
Holidays can be totally overwhelming for those who are newly bereaved or dealing with serious illness. Offer to clean house or help decorate or shop. Make a meal. Write Christmas cards. It's difficult to add another thing to your schedule, I know, but the rewards are incredible. Perhaps you can make this a family "gift" to a friend or neighbor who's hurting.

It is an awful temptation for those who are grieving to simply fade into the background during the holidays. They don't want to be a bother. They don't want to dampen your holiday spirit with their depression. And so they isolate themselves and try to look as if they are "okay." Don't be misled. They need you to reach out and touch them. Share your love and your life — and you will never be the same.

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I was introduced to Gayle Moody via E-mail. A mutual friend thought that we had some common interests and would enjoy swapping mail. God blessed me with a bunch of brothers, but now Gayle has become the Little Sister I always wanted! She sent me the following essay. It really grabbed my attention and I wanted to share it with all who visit us here at Graceland — Jerry Meyer.

Thank you Gayle for sharing this very touching, very helpful, wisdom! — Grant.

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