A few weeks ago I stopped by a local drugstore to pick up some medicine. As I paid for the Tylenol, the clerk began to tell me about a struggle she was going through. For 15 minutes I stood at the check out counter and listened to this desperate woman pour out her frustrations. I offered a few words of encouragement and told her I would be praying for her - and friends, she thanked me - for just listening.
She needed a burden bearer.
I praise God that because He has comforted me and carried my burdens in many a trial (often using brothers and sisters in Christ as well as total strangers), I can pass that burden bearing comfort right along!
Being a burden bearer to someone can look like so many things. It might be a listening ear, a financial gift, a helping hand, a free service (like babysitting), cooking a meal for a sick friend, giving your extra "stuff" to someone who has a great need for it, praying with someone, a hug, a card. This list could go on and on!
This past year every single one of these "comforts" that I listed above were done for us! I list them because God brought many burden bearers into our lives and circumstances in 2011. Yes, it was a very trialed year for us and God put those friends and family alongside us to carry the load with us - because were weary and the load was too heavy and we just couldn't carry it alone any longer.
Pray. And look for people around you who are in need of a burden bearer. They are all around us.
And to all our amazing friends and family who carried our burdens with us: thank you. I pray that you will have a greater understanding of God's presence, love and grace in your lives. Many of you made great sacrifices and we don't take that lightly. Thank you.
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