What Those Who Care for the Hurting Need Most
Helping the Helpers
Most books on suffering are either written on the nature of suffering or to encourage the one who is suffering. This book is not for one who is necessarily suffering physical trauma or depression. Instead, it is a book for everyone.
It’s a book for everyone because all of us have friends, family, neighbors, or fellow church members who suffer from sickness, disability, depression, or the death of a loved one. It’s a book written for all of us because Jesus calls all of us to love the hurting. Caring for the hurting is hard. It can be stressful and discouraging. This book reminds us that the only strength we have for loving others comes from God.
I think about the dark nights of the soul I personally endured. While it was an awful experience for me, it was also very stressful for my family. While I paced up and down our bedroom floor during some of those nights, my wife was in bed pacing those same floors with me in her heart. There were days when she didn’t know if her depressed and disabled husband would ever be joyful or healthy again.
Those who care for the hurting need to be reminded of God’s care for them in their pain, just like those who suffer need the same reminders. We need hope and we need practical help. This book offers both.
