How to Care for People Through Crisis SESSION 1 How to Care for People Through Crisis Blake Holmes

Just Show Up Create margin in your life. Overcome your fear and insecurities about what to do and say. Don’t make assumptions that they are being well cared for or that you are bothering them, etc. Don’t underestimate the impact you can make. “When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives means the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving much advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a gentle and tender hand.” (Henri Nouwen) SESSION 3 | HOW TO CARE FOR PEOPLE THROUGH CRISIS

Resist the Urge to Say Something Profound Avoid clichés. Listen. Be okay with silence . Talk if you have to. “The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing . . . not healing, not curing . . . that is a friend who cares.” (Henri Nouwen) SESSION 3 | HOW TO CARE FOR PEOPLE THROUGH CRISIS

Be Comfortable with the Reality of the Situation Don’t be flippantly optimistic or offer pep talks. Don’t try to take God off the hook. Don’t make comparisons. Don’t try to “fix it”. Respect the grieving process. SESSION 3 | HOW TO CARE FOR PEOPLE THROUGH CRISIS

Offer to Help Don’t expect them to be able to answer the question, “How can I help?” If possible, establish a network of friends and designate “leaders” who will coordinate and organize ways to meet larger, on-going areas of need. Consider both the short-term and long-term needs. Be creative and practical. Remember every member of the family. Tell them when you will be back and offer them your personal phone number. Find a need (however small) and then meet it. Ask again . . . SESSION 3 | HOW TO CARE FOR PEOPLE THROUGH CRISIS

Pray with Them and for Them Use Scripture as your guide. Write out your prayers and share them as encouragement. Be specific. SESSION 3 | HOW TO CARE FOR PEOPLE THROUGH CRISIS

Follow Up Remember milestones and anniversaries. Stay current and ask relevant questions. Expect that serving and loving those in great need will take time, focus and effort! SESSION 3 | HOW TO CARE FOR PEOPLE THROUGH CRISIS