You just can’t imagine what they must be going through. You don’t know what you could possibly do to help. You have no idea what to say.

Thing is… No one does. There is no magic formula of care and concern, words and deeds that will make this terrible thing better for this person you love. The death of a spouse, the cancer diagnosis, the divorce, the job loss, the debilitating accident, the incarcerated daughter… You can’t fix it. Very often, not even a professional can fix it–not a doctor, not a lawyer, not a minister or a counselor or a financial consultant or a mechanic. None of these hold the key to vanishing this awfulness, and that is why it’s a crisis and not just a bad day.

There is no one right thing to say or do; but there are always meaningful things you can say or do.

One of the great privileges of ministry is not just getting to walk alongside people in difficult times; but bearing witness to the ways that people show up and care for each other in times of crisis.

Here are just of the few ways that we have experienced community caring for those in need, even when there are no easy answers.

1. Cry 'with those who cry'
2. Rejoice 'with those who rejoice'
3. Call
4. Take food
5. Provide a service
6. Give a gift. 

Please share with us how you have experienced community caring for those in need.