No Magic Words

at 04/04/09 1:12PM
I want to say something about encouragement to all of you who have demonstrated your love to us time and again over the past 15 months. One of the most common things we hear is something like, "I wish I knew what to say." or "I've wanted to say something, but I can't find the words." Before Kelsey was diagnosed I would say the very same things.

What I have learned is that it's not really about the specific words. There are no magic words that will instantly bring comfort to someone who is suffering. The comfort comes from YOU saying something, not the WORDS you say. A simple "I love you and am praying for you." from a true heart full of love and compassion is what's important and helpful. The lessons that a person gains from hardship come from enduring the hardship, so don't feel obligated to do with a few words what months and years of hardship can only do. If you can just find simple words to express the love you feel for one suffering, that's all they really want. We know the words. What we need is love. I'm saying this to encourage you to reach out to one another with love, and don't let the lack of the "right words" stop you.

Again, thank you all and please continue to pray for us. We desperately need God's mercy, comfort and strength.
  • excalibur
    My name is John Jackson and I'm friends with Sarah Dow. I can say that I never met you in person and probably never will but you are my brother in Christ and I felt compelled to say that your family is in my prayers. May God shower you and your family with blessings and love in the coming days and years.
    by excalibur at 04/09/09 5:16AM
  • the_rainy_dog
    Mr. Harris, I wanted to let you know that although I will not be at the funeral physically, you can imagine me being there/having been there in spirit. If we get out of the house tonight, I am going to keep my eyes open for a purple-colored article of clothing. =)
    by the_rainy_dog at 04/09/09 11:13AM
  • cooper
    glad you could get it and i'm glad you got to talk to the people on youtube btw this is cooper hall from louisville
    by cooper at 04/09/09 4:53PM
  • the_headmaster
    Simon, Bill Capehart here, I want you to know that I will ensure that Kelsey's life and your family's faith will make a postive difference, not only in my life, but also in my famiy's life as well. We will touch as many as we can with the love and strength demonstrated by Kelsey life. We love you.
    by the_headmaster at 04/09/09 8:49PM
  • adeline
    May the God of all peace and love be with u and ur family at this time. i am so sorry!
    by adeline at 04/09/09 10:29PM
  • split_rock
    Thinking of you today.
    by split_rock at 04/10/09 9:04AM
  • mamap
    Simon, you all are in our thoughts and prayers today...I'm so, so very sorry. Wish I could be there to hug each of you...Remember the Footprints poem and visualize the Lord lifting you up and carrying you through this horrible time...All my love to all of you...
    by mamap at 04/10/09 10:49AM
  • sallyanne
    We are thinking of you today. Praying and wishing we were closer to be there in person.
    by sallyanne at 04/10/09 11:08AM
  • pandora
    I am Bill C.'s daughter, my husband and I are praying and thinking of your family today. I am so sorry for your hurting. May God bless, comfort, and console you. We thank God for Kelsey and her life, she was such an example to all of us and has truly earned her rest and her reward.
    by pandora at 04/10/09 2:10PM
  • butterflyhomerachel
    My name is Rachel Nerland. My husband and I send our prayers and our loving thoughts to you and your family.
    by butterflyhomerachel at 04/10/09 4:59PM
  • ministerswife1995
    You are in our thoughts and prayers!
    by ministerswife1995 at 04/10/09 5:30PM
  • sarai_31
    We are praying for your family.
    by sarai_31 at 04/10/09 10:00PM
  • abbymichelle
    Simon: I just think I should tell you.....you BY FAR give the best hugs on earth :) Thanks for being a great influence today. Your family is so strong and amazing. I love you all dearly. :) Oh and by the way, can I have your email address for future reference? :) Thank you! Love you all.
    by abbymichelle at 04/10/09 11:02PM
  • abbymichelle
    :) It is completely true. It's just one of the many things that makes you a GREAT preacher :) And thanks for the email address. :)
    by abbymichelle at 04/10/09 11:13PM
  • rapunzel
    You don't know me, I'm the older sister of Rebekah (aka, the_rainy_dog). Throughout the past number of months, when I talked with Rebekah, she repeatedly mentioned Kelsey, and how cheerful Kelsey was through thick and thin, and this encourage Rebekah to be glad no matter what situations she found herself in. Kelsey taught Rebekah a lot, and I learned a lot from Kelsey through Rebekah. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
    by rapunzel at 04/11/09 1:49AM
  • ektustin
    My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!
    by ektustin at 04/11/09 10:43AM
  • abbymichelle
    I am so glad she heard it. Thanks for letting me know. She is so wonderful. :) She was definitely not alone :)
    by abbymichelle at 04/11/09 6:07PM
  • mr_and_mrs_berry
    Simon, I just wanted to thank you and Teresa for sharing your journey with all of us - folks here on pleo, hs camp and hslist, and everywhere else you've touched people. One special thought is the wonderful "pebble" Kelsey's life and your sharing of it has been in the pool of life. The ripples of love are amazing. Thank you both; we will keep praying for all of you, but especially for your children with lots of love, the Bishops
    by mr_and_mrs_berry at 04/11/09 9:59PM
  • lauriw1030
    The Harrisons, from Louisiana, have been praying fervently for your family. Ashley, who was Kelsey's pleo-pal, has been going through some things that Kelsey had given her...treasures now. We wore our Kelsey quote T-shirts on Tuesday and Friday for support. Prayers for strength for you and your family, are still going up to the Lord.

    Frank Himmel is our preacher now, and he and Sandy also speak highly of your family. We shared memories last Wednesday night...
    by lauriw1030 at 04/12/09 5:06PM