Be a Comforter and Encourager in the Valley | From Behind the Pen

Image Credit: fauxels

Sometimes we don’t know what to say when facing someone who is dealing with a tragedy or hardship. Even with good intentions, we fear we can screw up by saying or doing something inappropriately. People going through some type of trauma tend to isolate themselves. Others feel uncomfortable around those who are dealing with an affliction, not knowing what to do.

Most people who have walked the challenging paths we are walking can understand our suffering and possibly provide wise counsel. When we are going through our valley experiences, it helps us learn from these occurrences and respond to others with encouragement, compassion, and empathy when they are facing similar adversities.

Empathy gives us the motivation to help people who are struggling and opens the door of opportunity for us to be a comforter and encourager to those who need it when they need it.

Thirteen years ago I included the following poem in one of my posts and want to reshare it with you today. I’m sure many of you have read this poem before, but Jane Eggleston’s poem, “It’s in the Valleys I Grow” is timeless and timely.

 It’s In The Valleys I Grow

by Jane Eggleston

Sometimes life seems hard to bear,
Full of sorrow, trouble and woe
It’s then I have to remember
That it’s in the valleys I grow.

If I always stayed on the mountaintop
And never experienced pain,
I would never appreciate God’s love
And would be living in vain.

I have so much to learn
And my growth is very slow,
Sometimes I need the mountain tops,
But it’s in the valleys I grow.

I do not always understand
Why things happen as they do,
But I am very sure of one thing.
My Lord will see me through.

My little valleys are nothing
When I picture Christ on the cross
He went through the valley of death;
His victory was Satan’s loss.

Forgive me Lord, for complaining
When I’m feeling so very low.
Just give me a gentle reminder
That it’s in the valleys I grow.

Continue to strengthen me, Lord
And use my life each day
To share your love with others
And help them find their way.

Thank you for valleys, Lord
For this one thing I know
The mountain tops are glorious
But it’s in the valleys I grow!

Image Credit: Jayant Kulkarni

Source: Be a Comforter and Encourager in the Valley | From Behind the Pen