I ran across a great website called www.restministries.org  for those who are living with illness or consoling someone with illness. Lisa Copen and her husband started this nonprofit. 

As I have written and spoken on grief over the past 6 years, specifically on losing a child,  I try to help others understand that ANY situation that feels like a loss, IS grief.  Many times it is not a death, but a life of challenges and ongoing loss that we cannot change. It may be having a family member with special needs or dealing with divorce, but it is all grief.

I think the subject of grief is a place most do not want to venture until there is an actual death. I know I did not. Having walked through the valley with my son, I am more cognizant of the process and others that are living with loss.  I am so glad to find sites like this that are helping others deal with illness and loss and find answers. My article, Just Be There, explored the basics of consoling a friend that is grieving through the holidays, but Lisa has expounded on this by giving some very creative, hands-on ideas for getting into their life and making a difference. Her book, “Beyond Casseroles:505 ways to encourage a chronically ill friend“, looks like a must-read for those in the ministry of encouragement. As I am joining our CARE team at church, I just ordered three copies!

Quote from book: Friendship improves happiness and abates misery, by the doubling of our joy and the dividing of our grief. – Marcus Tullius Cicero

The most common question I receive from women as I speak at engagements is, “What can I do or say for my friend/loved one that is hurting and going through grief/loss/divorce? For this reason I wrote the article in resources called “Just Be There”, and designed the new HOPE cards. They each feature one of the new butterfly paintings of the series I am growing this summer, and an encouraging scripture. I left the inside blank to write a brief note, like, “We are lifting you up in prayer” which in many cases, may be all you can say. it really is not important the exact words, but that you made a heartfelt effort to reach out.

5 years ago, We were so inundated with acts of kindness. We could feel the love from our church, homeschool and family and it played an essential role in our healing. God used our friendships and extended family to speak to us when we really could no longer hear his voice on our own.

I have had good response from offering them at my speaking engagements, and have almost sold the first printing. But will be glad to print more.