When we are all struggling

The days of stay at home orders can be long, and for many, can be hard.  Just about everyone I know is struggling in one way or another.

Some are struggling with finances, some with loneliness, some with juggling child care and work, some with missing family, some with worrying about loved ones in essential jobs, some with the grief of losing a loved one, some with just the overwhelming sadness of all of it.

I've been worried about everyone.  I've seen some things on social media that are laying heavy on my heart.  Sometimes when people share their struggles, instead of support they get criticism, or indifference.

Ms. Bessie Chauvin, one of the characters in my Bayou Beni series of books had this to say about suffering in "Blessings from the Past":

“I love you, Gilbert, but please, let me caution you against something. 

Suffering is suffering, it does no good to compare your suffering to others.

Just use your suffering to increase your empathy, and pray for God to give

you strength to never lose hope in the face of sorrow and struggle.”

I'd like to echo Ms. Bessie.  Please, when you hear or read that someone is struggling, limit your interaction to support.

Ask if you can help.  Offer understanding.  Offer encouragement.  Offer prayers.  

None of us can slip into someone else's body or mind and fully appreciate what they are experiencing.  What we can do is appreciate when they share their struggles that it is a plea for understanding and support.  We can provide that understanding.  We can provide that support.

We can lift each other up.  I promise, every time you take the time to lift someone up, you will be uplifted as well.

Let's all do our best to be helpers.  Let's all do our best to be the good for each other.  We'll all be better for it if we do.