My very good friend, Milt Smith, always puts a smile on my face and in my heart! His response to my last note on “What is the best way to be there for someone when they are hurting or experiencing challenging times?” is right on target, filled with powerful testimony and critical seeds meant to bless us.
I love Milt’s analogy of the Train and his life Journey!
Milt wrote:
“The Lord called on me and revealed to me to be a Farmer for Him… to plant seeds that Papa could nurture to grow. I was to plant only and let Him do the rest. Over time, we created a Soul Train, and I got my Train moving forward on the Tracks God has laid for me!
Before Papa took control of my Train, I was quick to judge (my EMOTIONAL being), very vocal (my LOUD PHYSICAL being) about how smart I was (my Prideful SPIRITUAL being), and always getting caught up in the emotions of issues, trying to fix them (my INTELLECTUAL being).
My 4 FLESH BEINGS were all trying to be the Conductor of my Train—trying to be in control. They gave me confusion and put me on the wrong tracks, which led to a few derailments and even a couple of wrecks. My beings still try, but since I’ve been riding my Soul Train with PERSPECTIVE, the Journey is bringing me greater Peace, Comfort, and Joy.
To some, because of my physical size, I was a Big Bear they feared. To others, I was a Lion with a big roar, ready for verbal confrontation. I would seek control of situations to walk away with the FINAL WORD—to leave a lasting impression. Yet, to my close friends, I was just a snuggly Winnie the Pooh who liked to joke, tease, and play…”
BTW, in answer to your question—“What’s the BEST way to be there for someone hurting?”—here are 3 key points God has led me to understand over the years. I humbly share these seeds with you, in this order, to be planted:
- Be SILENT and LISTEN with loving, compassionate empathy through eye-to-eye contact so souls can meet and share. Dwell in the moment! Don’t say you understand or try to fix the hurt with your words or actions. LOVE them with your EYES and EARS!
- CONNECT through TOUCH! A hug, an embrace, or even a light squeeze of the hand sends an unspoken “I care” emotional charge.
- Once connected, Speak a brief positive affirmation (a God promise is BEST) to send their heart, mind, and soul a seed of God’s comfort and good news. Then, let them pour out their souls to cleanse emotional trash.
Absolutely avoid the “3 C” disease that poisons the tongue and attacks the soul: “3C”—Criticizing, Condemning, and Complaining—of yourself or others! Satan loves to send this legion of demons to plant lies, with FEAR leading the charge.
DON’T PREACH! LET THE LORD’S HOLY SPIRIT DO THE TALKING!”
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