Hello ,

Rick and Kay Warren's son Matthew committed suicide at the age of 27 after a long struggle with mental illness. About a year after his death, Kay Warren posted the following advice on her Facebook page:

The truest friends and "helpers" are those who wait for the griever to emerge from the darkness that swallowed them alive without growing afraid, anxious or impatient. They don't pressure their friend to be the old familiar person they're used to; they're willing to accept that things are different, embrace the now-scarred one they love, and are confident that their compassionate, non-demanding presence is the surest expression of God's mercy to their suffering friend. They're OK with messy and slow and few answers ... .and they never say "Move on."*

Part of being a good Christian, is to recognize that there are hurting people all around us...and many of them need shoulder to lean on during times of extreme hurt, pain, and despondency.  Being there for them is important, and when we allow God to love those that are hurting through us, we will learn how to do that in ways that are constructive, considerate, and comforting.

Have a great day and God bless!

Pastor Mike / The Open Word 

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