Praise be to the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

No one said anything. They just pretended it didn’t happen.

My friend had suffered her second miscarriage in six months. Devastated, she felt her dreams of motherhood fading away.

Looking back, I don’t think anyone set out to ignore her pain. They just didn’t know what to do. Afraid to say the wrong thing, they didn’t say anything at all.

It is hard to know how to extend comfort to others after a loss. People often say insensitive things. I could list some of those thoughtless comments because people have said them to me. And I’ve said them also.

Since my miscarriage, I’ve thought about what brought me comfort. I think just feeling loved and cared for meant the most to me. A simple text or card reminded me that I wasn’t alone. One friend met me for coffee and just listened. Another brought me a simple meal. Another called to pray with me.

If someone acknowledges our loss we feel seen and valued. It sometimes means the difference between hope and despair.

Don’t let fear of an awkward conversation keep you from saying something. If you don’t know what to say or text, a simple I’m sorry will do just fine.

Lord, thank You that You are the God of all comfort. You comfort us and then use us to help others. Help me extend hope to others when they suffer loss or trauma.

Whitney