This is a handkerchief that sat on my lap last week on my way to a funeral.
But it wasn't for me.
It was for one of the sweetest ladies I know who was having to let go of her beloved brother who had been sick for a long time. I was bringing it for her.
To wipe away the tears that were sure to come.
~Bringing a handkerchief to someone~
That seems so small doesn't it?
Well, a gesture so small can mean the world to someone who is hurting.
It did for me.
You see, I didn't come up with this thoughtfulness on my own.
When I was the one in need, when my own brother died tragically in an accident,
I was on the receiving end of a handkerchief.
A dear friend gave one to me and my mom as she hugged us both.
Few words were said but her thoughtfulness that day has lasted a lifetime.
We both used our little hankies throughout the day when the tears would come.
I still have mine.
Such comfort even when no words of wisdom can be found to share,
when the grief is strong, the situation is unfair, and hearts are breaking...
a simple handkerchief can speak volumes and bring great comfort.
Death is inconvenient and interrupts our lives when we least expect it.
Because of this, I buy hankies in packs and keep them ready to give away in times such as this.
Maybe you can do the same.
I am forever thankful for the thoughtfulness of my friend who took the time to do that for me.
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."
Matthew 5:4
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ."
2 Corinthians 1:3-7
Stephanie :)
today I am thankful for:
~thoughtful friends~
~my husband's calling and that God is using him to advance His kingdom~
~my favorites slippers~
~my daughter who speaks up for God's word even when it cost her~
stephanie, this blessed me. you're beautiful. xo
ReplyDeleteSuch a thoughtful idea...and a sure comfort to the one who recieves...love this.
ReplyDeletelove this! My grandma gave me one on my wedding day :)
ReplyDeletewhat an incredible idea, and gift.
ReplyDeletei have about 4 or 5 leftover handkerchiefs from a bridal shower i hosted.
i wasn't sure what to use them for.
now i know what i'll keep them around for.
thank you for the lovely idea. and your giant heart.
this is a precious post. i have a friend who has recently lost a child and her mother-in-law. i so wish i could have done something like this for her when we attended both of those funerals...maybe i still will. thanks for your inspiration and taking the time to share what a simple gesture can do. you're a blessing to me. xoxo!
ReplyDeletestephanie this is a beautiful and thoughtful idea. i hope i never have to steal it. i love the verses.
ReplyDeletethis is such a wonderful and thoughtful token of love. thank you for sharing this today. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful and thoughtful idea!
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful idea, and lasts much longer than a casserole. I have listed this in my important things to remember journal. Thanks
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful gesture that will forever be remembered.
ReplyDeletewow thats so precious. we are headed to a funeral of a friend's son this weekend, so it was good to read this - totally God's timing. and when we lost my father in law 2 years ago, like you said...it was the little gestures, and fewer words, that meant the most. thanks for sharing and blessings to you and to your friend tonight.
ReplyDeleteWhat a very sweet and dear way to care for someone in a tangible way during such a hard time.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing something simple that can mean so much.
Love from,
Greta
What a thoughtful gesture. I recently went to the memorial service of a long time friend's brother. I wish I had been able to do something other than hug her... There were just no words to express my sadness for her during that time. A beautiful handkerchief sounds perfect.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely idea. Thanks for sharing it.
ReplyDelete