''You've touched a nerve!''

John's encounter with the pastor that made a big difference in his time of grief.

At the Newtown Family Festival, during a Health Expo as part of the Reflecting Hope initiative, the district pastor met an elderly gentleman in his 80s named John. They were introduced by one of the volunteers at the event.

Facing Another Day

John shared with the pastor about his ongoing sorrow since his wife passed away a few years ago. She had been battling a long illness that required many hospital visits. Having enjoyed 50 years of marriage, he deeply feels her absence. Some days are particularly hard as he finds it difficult to gather the strength to get out of bed and face the day, feeling the emptiness left by his beloved wife. Adapting to a life without his cherished companion has proven to be very difficult.

''Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.'' (Matthew 5:4)

The Power of Empathy

During the conversation about grief with the pastor, tears welled up in John's eyes. For the first time in a long time, he met someone who really understood what he's going through. He felt deeply moved and said, "You've touched a nerve. You know exactly how I’m feeling. You’re the only one who understands what I’m going through, you’ve described exactly how I’m feeling.’’ Although he was initially hesitant to leave his house that day, he ventured out and was so grateful that he did. He was delighted to have met with the pastor and appreciated the conversation they had together. Their interaction gave him much-needed comfort and proved to be very helpful.

Part of Jesus' mission has been: ''...He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted...'' (Luke 4:18)

Comforting the Grieving

Being present to listen, showing empathy and compassion, can be a source of great comfort to someone going through grief. Listening and understanding their feelings and experiences, speaking the right words at the right time, can bring a ray of light during dark times.