Life comes at you fast, sometimes we are called to deal with things that honestly suck. Often things happen that tear us apart and that is okay. We may need support, a shoulder to cry on or someone to just listen. There are times when we are called to the same for others, often those in our own family. Being a compassionate person means sometimes that we have to be the strong one in the room because it’s what’s best for everybody else, even when all you want to do is run away and melt down.

I am currently going through a couple situations, the biggest of which is with my father. He had his third neck surgery a little over a week ago and woke up partially paralyzed. Something went wrong in the surgery, for what reason I don’t know, what matters is that it happened and there is a possibility of regaining mobility with a lot of physical therapy and work. It’s awful, he was such an independent man and seeing him cower in the face of this adversity hurts, I just want my Dad back. But I have been called to be his strength in this time of need and God prepared me for this exact situation, He always does.

If I would not have spent the last year strengthening my recovery and faith I am not sure I would be able to handle this situation, but thank God for the promise that what is impossible with man is possible with God. I know I can handle this. Today I have to surrender completely, God is whispering this to me as I write this, to let Him handle this situation. I hold firm to His promises and that my Savior is known as the Great Physician. Anything that man screws up he can fix and I know I have to let Him handle it in His time and in His way. Today I practice serenity, knowing that even if I was able to physically be there with him, there isn’t a thing I could do but emotionally support him, and that’s what I am doing, being that solid rock boosting him up to reach towards our Father.

It is a completely different thing to have to be the strong one as my Dad was always the foundation in the family going through adversity, but this time it is him that needs the support. I do everything I can for him including sending him daily scriptures, calling and talking to him whenever he is available to giving song recommendations and being an ear open to him. It’s hard, I can hear the fear and uncertainty in his voice, but I know me being sober and spiritually fit so he can lean on is the greatest thing I can do for him. And prayer, as much as possible, as many people as possible and as fervently as possible. At the end of the day I know this is out of my hands, and injuries like these are not medically reversible so we must call on the only being that can truly heal him.

What do you do when faced with a situation like this? Are you willing to step up to the plate and be the sturdy foundation that a loved one needs? There were times in my life where their would have been no way for me to be able to handle this, but thanks be to God for making me strong and able to be used. It is a great privilege and an honor to get an opportunity to be some ones rock. No matter how difficult and painful it can be it is rewarding to know you can have such an effect on another person. When my strength fails I pray for more, search the scriptures and meditate on God’s response to find the strength and guidance I need.

Sometimes life puts us in a situation where we have to get outside of ourselves for the better of another individual. Part of being a good human is kindness towards others and being a friend or support when needed is one of the most fulfilling things you can do. I am sure at some point in your life you will be put in a situation like mine where you will be called upon to be the support for someone hurting. You can handle this. We were born with the capability to be compassionate and loving, it is one of the defining factors that separates us from animals. Be prepared for this call. Whatever that may look like for you I don’t know, but find a source of strength you can count at all times. Having this gives you the ability to be able to rise up in weakness and overcome. Thanks to God for doing His wonderful work in my life and giving me the strength to be there for my Dad. It is painful but incredibly wonderful and enriching experience.

Russ

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