Friends need help navigating through an emergency. Hang around with your pals every chance you get but make sure you stick even closer when trauma hammers nails right into their heart. Without our family and friends, our journey with James would have splintered us into a thousand broken pieces. But when love moved into action, God ministered to us and reminded us of His complete sufficiency. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:
•Dispense hugs generously.
•Dispense advice sparingly.
•Listen without interrupting with your own story.
•Organize meals for the family at home.
•Bring a deliciously wrapped sandwich or salad to the hospital.
•Time stands still in waiting rooms. Your company will help nudge the clock.
•Borrow her house key and invite two other friends to help you clean and do laundry.
•Mail an envelope stuffed with notes from their neighbors, co-workers, small group Bible study or Sunday school class.
•Volunteer to care for the other children in the family and make their day bright with games, a special meal or a unique outing.
•Collect money to help offset unexpected expenses.
•Call and pray with her on the phone.
•Write out one meaningful Bible verse and tuck it into an encouraging note.
•Get him to smile. Do whatever it takes. Laughter is the best stress reliever.
•Gather a group of friends who will commit to fast and pray for a designated period.

Don't worry about not knowing exactly what to do to help. Just do something. During a crisis, the smallest act of kindness becomes a magnificent, wonderful, life-sustaining gift. Your friends need you. Show up big.