Simple Support

As I write this, I am sick. I don’t know what I am sick with, but I have some sort of crud, and I feel pretty crummy. I won’t go into details because sick talk is not permissible with many. It makes us uncomfortable somehow, but it shouldn’t because there are those ill who need their brothers and sisters in Christ to help them walk with the burden of illness that goes beyond the basic sickness I have today.

Some of my close friends have major illnesses and if I had not been open to hearing, they would be without my support. Cancer and other catastrophic illnesses are hard to hear about for those who do not face such giants in their lives, but not as hard as it is to hear those words when you are the one being diagnosed. Perhaps in some parts of society talking about illness is unacceptable, but among those in the body of Christ, that should never be the case.

Those who call themselves Christians should always have open arms, open minds and hearts for those who have serious illnesses. To hear the word cancer is frightening for the one diagnosed as well as the ones who love them. To have to talk about it is awkward at first. “I’m so sorry, I will pray for you,” seems terribly inadequate, but saying those words is a start to being a support system for those whose lives have just been upended by an unexpected and unwelcome diagnosis. Those who are facing difficult battles seek support, sometimes with desperation, and knowing prayer is being offered can be a balm for troubled and fearful hearts. Greater support can be offered as we talk about the illness and how it is affecting the one with it. But we have to be willing to talk about it and not shy away. Sometimes, the greatest support comes in the form of a listening ear.

I may be feeling poorly today, but I know there are those just within my immediate circle who are facing illness that isn’t going to go away in a couple of days. I want to be there for them. Maybe all I am able to do is pray, but that is no small thing in the eyes of God who tags us to come to the side of those in distress and hold them up, to be the support they need to cope with the previously unimaginable.

It goes with being a Christian. It’s called love.