Sometimes, life knocks us down. Throws us a curveball or a punch…whatever metaphor you want to choose.
Maybe it’s a breakup you didn’t see coming. Or a dream that’s been crushed. Devastating news you’re weren’t expecting.
When those things happen, it’s important to grieve and feel the fullness of it. When I’m sad and angry, I’m not looking for someone to tell me God has a plan and that “all things work together for good for those who love God.”
I know those things. Deep in my heart, I do. I even wrote many of those things in my book for single women. Honestly, I love Romans 8:28 and know it to be true, and there is a time for sharing it. But in the midst of my anger and sadness, I want to hear something else…
“That really stinks. I’m sorry.” Period.
I’m not looking for someone to fix it. I’m looking for a friend who is okay with not having the answers, one who just stands beside me in the messiness of the situation.
I recall being single and camping out emotionally in some really dark places. Not understanding God’s plan and maybe not really caring at that moment. Just hurting.
If you know someone who is in a bad place, or someone who just received news that turned the world upside down, be that friend who simply says,
“That really stinks. I’m sorry.” 
And then listen. Maybe tell them you’ll be praying. Unless that friend looks at you and says, “What do you think?”, then just listen.
If you’re hurting today, if you’re the one who got knocked to the ground with some bad news, I’m so sorry. Sometimes, life really stinks. (See what I did there?).
How can I pray for you? Please leave me a comment or email me (allison [at] allisonflexer [dot] com) and let me know. It would be an honor to lift up your name in prayer.
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Allison K. Flexer, Author 