site logo
  • About Us
    • Our Staff
    • Our History
    • News
  • Contact Us
  • FREE!
    • FREE Digital Mag
    • Weekly Downloads
    • Resources
  • Print Subscriptions
  • NEW! CC Churchlink
Homepage > From the Editor > Kelly Carr > A Letter to Those Who Hurt
October 25, 2015  |  By Mike

A Letter to Those Who Hurt

IWT_5
Print

By Kelly Carr 

Screen Shot 2015-07-30 at 3.25.16 PMDear Friend,

I see you. 

I want you to know that first and foremost. You are noticed. 

Sometimes people look away when they encounter those who experience things they’ve never experienced. I’ve done it before. We don’t mean to be mean. We’re just scared. 

We’re scared of saying the wrong thing. Of upsetting you because we don’t have the right words. We don’t want to add to your pain in that way, so we choose avoidance but then add to your pain in another way. It comes from our own awkwardness—it’s nothing you did.

I know that doesn’t make it feel better. And I’m sorry for times when you felt alone. I’m trying my best now not to give in to my own self-consciousness. 

I don’t know what you’re going through.

There—I’ve admitted what we all want to say. 

We don’t speak of certain things you’re going through because we don’t fully understand. And when we can’t relate, we feel odd or we worry that we won’t be able to fix the things that you are going through. Because, with human nature, it’s easier if we had some solution to offer. I’m sure you’ve been looking for a solution for years. 

Too many people out there try to act like they know it all. I see them barrel past your words, trying to relay their own experiences instead of really listening. That doesn’t help. 

So instead I will admit right up front that I haven’t been in your shoes. I wish I could fully comprehend, but in all honesty, I can’t. Yet I do want to learn.

I’ve learned from you.

I’m sure that’s little consolation. You’d rather feel whole again than be educating other people on what it’s like to deal with your pain. But it remains true. I see other people differently because of you.

When I finally got over myself enough to ask you questions, I appreciated when you shared. I got a better grasp of what you are going through, and that has made me more sensitive to others. 

I’m sure it must have been hard to open up to tell one more person about what’s going on inside. Yet I’m glad you did. I feel closer to you now. And I want to get a fuller picture of how you see the world and how it affects you.

I’m here for you.

I’m here. I’ll stay here. I’m ready to listen some more when you are ready to talk. Or I’m ready to hang out and not talk about anything deep at all. I’m here to keep being your friend. 

Thank you for continuing to stick with Jesus even when the path seems scary. I’m proud of you.

A Letter to Those Who Hurt Kelly Carr
Previous StoryWhen Darkness Comes: Turning to the Light of Christ
Next StoryWhere you Live—Questions and Activities for Small Groups for November 1, 2015

Comments: no replies

Join in: leave your comment Cancel Reply

(will not be shared)

Search

Helpful Resources

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Get the latest news, plus links to new posts at LookoutMag.com directly to your inbox every month.





Christian Standard Media

We provide true-to-the-Bible resources that inspire, educate, and motivate people to a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. For 150 years we have been serving the Christian community with products that have but one purpose: bringing the Bible to life.

Contact

16965 Pine Lane, Suite 202
Parker, CO 80134
800-543-1353
Lookout@christianstandardmedia.com

[contact-form-7 id=”24009″ title=”Subscribe for Free!_copy”]

Magazine WordPress Theme made by ThemeFuse