Stop and ask:
a painter about her
canvas
a poet about his
rhyme
a singer about his
voice
a philosopher about her
argument
a prophet about his
burden
Then: listen
Stop and ask
a mother about her
daughter
a father about his
son
a soul about her
friend
a lover about the
beloved
a teacher about his
pupils
a patient
about her pain
Then: listen.
Stop...stop, and ask
a Creator about the
creation
a Designer about the
plan
a Lover about his
beloved
a Sufferer about his
pain
Then: listen
"To listen..." are the important words. So often we rush in someone's pain with our own answer and wisdom. When meeting suffering people, I often pray, "Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips." (Psalm 141:3)
ReplyDeleteClaudia:
ReplyDeleteThat is a powerful Scripture for big mouths like me! God help me to live it out.
Doug:
ReplyDeleteI have the same problem! My experience is that when I ask Him, God helps. He also helps even when I forget to ask...
This much needed place, your ministry and every one who visits, are in my heart and prayers every day.
"Be swift to hear, slow to speak" James 1:19 Folks suffering want us to listen, listening shows caring.
ReplyDelete