Sue Allen serves as the Director of Women’s Ministry at Northside Church. She also publishes a daily devotional that I thoroughly enjoy. With Sue’s permission, I am sharing one of her recent posts.

Good morning . . .

“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.”

This Henri Nouwen quote reminds me of the “Three C” wisdom of the twelve-step program. When pain ravages the life of a loved one, we must remember:

1. I did not cause it.
2. I cannot control it.
3. I do not possess the power to cure it.

“The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusin, 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.”

If you’ve gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care—then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. (Philippians 2:1-2, MSG)

Sue

If you would like to read more of Sue’s blogs or receive her daily devotions, visit https://suetoyou.com