“This is all part of God’s plan.”

People often say this with really good intentions, but it is not helpful and is often harmful. I think they may be trying to tell a survivor that God is able and eager to transform even the worst of human experiences, bringing restoration and health out of them. If that’s what you want to communicate, here’s a challenge: Don’t use words.

Say it with your heart, your eyes, your attitude. Let the assurance of God’s creative intervention be so much a part of you that it pours out of you into the lives of those whom you encounter. This is not a flippant “Oh-God-will-take-care-of-it” response to tragedy; it’s heartfelt, empathetic, clear-eyed enough to see the disaster, to see God at work, and to see the work you are asked to do.

Responding to trauma with compassionate faith is harder than responding with words, but it’s stronger and it’s a skill worth developing.

Photo by Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash.com.