Companioning

Are you or are any of your friends walking a path of mourning right now? Here are some excerpts from a book called "The Handbook for Companioning the Mourner: Eleven Essential Principles":

Companioning is about being present to another person's pain; it is not about taking the pain away.

Companioning is about going to the wilderness of the soul with another human being; it is not about finding the way out.

Companioning is about honoring the spirit; it is not about focusing on the intellect.

Companioning is about listening with the heart; it is not about analyzing with the head.

Companioning means discovering the gifts of sacred silence, it does not mean filling up every moment with words. (I love this)

Companioning is about respecting disorder and confusion; it is not about order and logic.

Companioning is about learning from others; it is not about teaching them.

~these suggestions are good in friendship and ministry...whether it's dealing with grief or not! Thanks to Craig Fisher for sharing these with me last night. Blessings to you all!