“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” II Corinthians 1: 3-4 NIV
Several months ago I uncovered an ancient cardboard box wedged in the back of my father’s closet. Inside were the remnants of his military service: a good conduct medal, his wings, war department ID, aircraft spotters’ guide, a 1943 Christmas menu from headquarters in Fortaleza, Brazil, and the letter notifying my grandparents that my father was a prisoner of war. In a daring endeavor, he eventually escaped through the Underground.
When my father returned to America, he didn’t talk much about his experiences. He packed the pain in a mental compartment similar to the cardboard box that housed the history of his military service.
Years later, my cousin was accepted at the US Air Force Academy. The summer before his freshman year, my father bought Wesley a pair of military dress shoes, took him out to our driveway, and taught him to march.
“I want him to be a step ahead of the other boys,” Daddy said.
Daddy also hauled out war stories, dusted them off, and told about his experiences. He identified with the challenges Wesley faced in the next four years.
Often, when we go through difficult life situations, we swallow the hurt and consign the pain to a private corner of our minds and hearts. Some stagnate in grief. But 2 Corinthians 1:4 reminds us that we are to minister to those around us with the same comfort we’ve received from God. My father didn’t share his experiences until my cousin embarked on a similar journey.
Perhaps someone in your sphere of influence is struggling. Although the situation might not be identical to yours, your wisdom and encouragement may be of great benefit. Dredging up memories may result in discomfort, but despite the emotional pain, be available to support someone learning to march down a difficult path.
Candy Arrington’s writing provides Biblical insights and practical advice, often on tough topics. Her publishing credits include hundreds of articles in periodicals such as Focus on the Family, Today’s Christian Woman, Marriage Partnership, Encounter, Pray, The Lookout, The Upper Room, Advanced Christian Writer, CBN.com, The Writer, and Writer’s Digest. Candy’s stories have appeared in the Chicken Soup and Cup of Comfort series. Additionally, she is coauthor of When Your Aging Parent Needs Care: Practical Help for This Season of Life (Harvest House, 2009) and Aftershock: Help, Hope, and Healing in the Wake of Suicide (B & H Publishing Group). Candy is on staff with The Christian Communicator Manuscript Critique Service and is a member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors.