Lost of a Loved one

[Mandy]

I have a very dear friend that has lost her husband, much to early in life. They have 3 children, ages: 8, 10, & 13. He died between the week of Christmas and New Years. I know that there are few words at this time to comfort. But she states she just has to get through this on her own. I feel that her youngest daughter has pulled away from my daughter. You see we met through our children; they became friends and we realized that the more we got to know each other, the more we had in common. Throughout her husbands illness she spoke to me everyday. Now she is withdrawn. What can I do to help her?

[Jonathan McLatchie]

Hi Mandy,

Maybe I can suggest printing off and presenting her with a free booklet on the subject of "why is there death and suffering?" from a Biblical worldview. The book is definitely a very effective witnessing tool, and can be picked up at http://www.answersingenesis.org/assets/pdf/media/radio/deathandsuff...
It is written by Ken Ham & Jonathan Sarfati, perhaps two of the most effective apologists in modern times.

Furthermore, I would definitely pray for the family. Maybe consider adding a request to the prayer box on the home page of this website?

James 5:13-16: "Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."

Hope this helps.

Jonathan

[Wendy]

Excellent advice, Jonathan.

I will be praying for you, Mandy. Often people who are depressed withdraw, but they need your support more than ever. Even if she doesn't want to talk about it, let her know you are there in whatever means you can (cards, calls, emails), if only just to tell her you love her and are praying for her.

Dr Dobson wrote a book, "When God Doesn't Make Sense". Maybe sometime she will want answers and help through her grief, and you could get that for her.

[Mandy]

Thank you for your input Wendy; much appreciated. Mandy

[Bob B]

Mandy,I had 2 friends from my church who died 2 week apart and they were in thier early 30s. These were both Godly men and they each had 2 small children who were the same ages as my kids and they were all friend as were the adults. These 2 women were way to young to be widows. I found that they just need to know that you care, whether you send a card or a meal or however the lord leads. As time goes by she will begin to reach out again and go on with her life. She is re-evaluating her life right now and just needs patience and a good friend that I can imagine that you are mandy.

[Mandy]

Thank you Bob, for those words of wisdom. I have sent her e-mails, and have called her from time to time. I can often tell she doesn't want to talk. But I will not give up on her. God Bless you. Mandy