All the Feels - Leading Our EmotionsSample

DAY 5: MAKE SPACE

What do we do when the people in our lives are struggling with their emotions? How can we support them in the middle of a low time?

Usually we can sense when someone is having a hard time regulating their "feels", but often people don’t always know what to do or say. What can happen is a quick, “hope you get better” or “I’m sorry” well meaning comment but then they go on their way.

We can know that God is still good and He's gonna get us through—but there are times when we just need someone to say out loud, “You don't have to be ok right now, we all go through hard times, there’s room for you to struggle here.”

How can we let our friends, family and co-workers know that they don’t have to act or pretend like everything is ok? The truth is, we can be full of faith and yet also struggling at the same time.

Here are a few practical ways to help us create space for the people in our lives that are going through a hard season and still trying to lead their emotions to Jesus.

Remind them they are loved. That we see them and that it’s ok, not to be ok.

Give a safe place to process. Give them a hug. Really Listen.

Clarify what they are needing by asking, "Do you need me to help find solutions or simply listen?”

Don’t just say, “let me know if you need anything” instead volunteer practical ways to support them. Here are a few suggestions:

• Offer to drop off a meal
• Invite them to go for a walk
• Gift a house cleaning
• Ask if they need help with carpooling
• Offer to babysit the kids
• Give a gift card for dinner out

Most importantly pray with them... don’t just say you will pray for them. One of the most powerful ways we can support people is by allowing the Holy Spirit to speak through you right then and there to whatever their heart needs most.

We all have emotions, we all have struggles. Let’s allow people the kindness and compassion to meet them in the messy spaces and not just wait til they “get better".