What do you say....

When someone shares with you something uncomfortable? What do you say when a friend tells you that she just found out her 33wk baby inside her is guaranteed to die? What do you say when a friend shares with you the pain of being sexually assaulted? Or a miscarriage? Or a family member that has cancer? WHAT do you say when you don't know what to say??

Maybe a better question would be WHY do you HAVE to say anything at all? Sometimes, there are no words. But actions speak louder than words. A hug, a pat on the back, just someone to listen to and be there....sometimes that is so much better than the cliches. Even if they're true, its probably not the most helpful thing to say in that moment. The silence sometimes is better than empty words and false sympathy. So next time a friend tells you something that you don't really know how to respond to - don't feel like you have to say anything at all. Hold a hand, hug a friend, shed some tears with a friend, pray over your friend - but don't feel compelled to have to say something.