How not to be a Miserable Comforter

HOW TO BE AND NOT TO BE AROUND PEOPLE WHO ARE GOING THROUGH TRIALS

Communication has never been this fast and far-reaching, and maybe it isn’t always always beneficial for those who are suffering or going through grave pain.

One of the good things that happened to me when I lost my baby was gain a good grasp of how not to be a miserable comforter.

 

I actually got this term from a book I read soon after the horrible news, one which directly tells me “Your suffering ain’t anywhere like this, girl,” and the book of course was that of Job.

 

I actually collected some points so close to home as I read his story, which I shall write and share another time. For now let’s talk about the do’s and don’ts of comforting when someone had just died.

 

Honestly, my experience taught me so much about the “art” of giving our condolences, as well as made me realize how I got it wrong a couple of times myself. And since death and suffering are constants in life, I decided to write a few things that might help you alleviate and not aggravate tremendous grief.

 

DON’Ts

DON’T MESSAGE HASTILY. Think about what you want to say and choose your words carefully. People who are mourning are extra sensitive and this is a rule of thumb. For every DO and every DON’T on today’s list, it should be under the guidance of this main principle of thinking before you speak.

 

DON’T DIAGNOSE WHAT HAPPENED. This is why Job called his friends miserable comforters, because they all diagnosed that his suffering was punishment. However it was clear in the story that he really didn’t do anything to merit the afflictions God allowed on his life.

 

In the same way, I also got a couple of comments saying, “You probably traveled so much that’s why you lost the baby” or “You announced the pregnancy that’s why negative forces canceled the good news.”

 

Unfair because those are not true, and it is gravely disrespectful to presume authority on a matter only God can ever truly understand.

 

DON’T PRESCRIBE WHAT’S GOING TO HAPPEN NEXT. Encouraging and sharing verses of hope is different from saying, “You’ll be fine” or “It’s going to be alright in the end.” Especially when the grieving person can’t see the sun shining just about yet, it is best to stay with him/her in the grieving zone and not say things that go ahead of his/her process.

 

DON’T SAY YOU “KNOW HOW IT FEELS” UNLESS YOU REALLY DO. Some people messaged me saying, “I know how it feels” but have never been pregnant. Perhaps a better thing to say is, “I don’t know exactly how this feels but I can imagine it hurts. And I wish I can just give you a big hug right now.”

 

Now let’s go full blast on the DO’s and BE’s.

DO WEEP. People who cried with/for me in person or who messaged me only saying they shed tears when they heard about the news actually helped a lot.

 

DO PRAY. Of all, this one made me feel the lightest, as I am not carrying the burden all by myself. The Word of God is powerful, it is living and alive, so speaking them in behalf of a grieving person really makes a difference.

 

BE AVAILABLE & SENSITIVE. Grieving people sometimes look for company, and other times they look for solace. Be discerning and offer what they really need at the moment, and not what you want to give. (Ex. If they don’t feel like crying, don’t say “It’s okay to cry.” Just be there and wait and be available if ever they do. But don’t force it.)

 

BE SIMPLE. No need for long and flowery messages but a simple “Our condolences,” will do. If you are speechless then just say “I don’t know what to say,” and follow with “I am sorry for your loss.”

 

So far, these are all I can think of but part of why I wanted to share this is because we all live in the digital age. Communication has never been this fast and far-reaching, and maybe it isn’t always always beneficial for those who are suffering or going through grave pain.

 

Maybe what we can do then as netizens is to be more mindful, respectful and reflexive. Able to show care and concern, without overstepping borders — no matter how invisible they might get in this day and age.

 

That said I also want to say that I am grateful for all the well meaning messages I got from everyone at that time. Thankfully, the grace of God always made me see the thought behind every message I’ve received and I am definitely blessed that people spared a few seconds of their life just to let me know they care. 🙂

Comment

5 Comments

  • Kelly
    March 30, 2016

    Hi Carla, Thank you for sharing this and your journey. It helped me a lot as I went through almost the same thing. I read your blog about Pain and Peace 2 days before I found out my ectopic pregnancy (supposed to be our first after waiting for 5 years). It’s surprising that there are only a few who talks about this, and sometimes peoples reaction to this kind of situation is unbelievable as well. Thanks again. May God continue to be glorified in your life and may God bless you more.

    • Mrs.BO
      Kelly
      March 31, 2016

      Yes, I was surprised with the overwhelming response to my public announcement of the miscarriage. Apparently, many moms are silent about this and so I am grateful God used my space to have some of them air their pains to people who know what this kind of loss feels like. I am praying for your own comfort and peace. I know it isn’t easy and so may you be surrounded with all the support and love that you need at this time to be able to go through it without breaking too much. 🙂

  • Marian Balcos
    March 30, 2016

    Hi, Carla! I remember Anthony Pangilinan also shared during the SAF 44 tragedy that when someone is grieving, “condolers” should not ask about what the griever needs (e.g., anything needed in funerals) because those who are grieving might actually not know what they need because they’re just overcome by emotions so just show up with something, if that’s the intent.

    • Mrs.BO
      Marian Balcos
      March 31, 2016

      I think this is wise, not to ask them what they need. Discernment is better — look from the outside and see do they need money? Food? And be settled with what you have given. For the emotional support I think being there is more than enough, but then speak if you feel like they want to talk, but be silent if you think they want to just be. 🙂

  • Mr. DY
    March 31, 2016

    Losing someone you love is really hard. Acceptance js the only way to say that you welcome God’s plan for your life. I suffered the loss of my first baby, it was really hard. But then, God blessed with another baby. Amen. http://aloncalinaody.blogspot.com/2014/12/how-we-cope-for-death-of-our-little.html

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