Listen
I remember when I first heard the term: emotional first aid. I was in high school when I was taught what to do when a friend is in crisis. Our culture places a high priority on communication through speaking, and there are various outlets to express our ideas and opinions. However, we have to remember that when helping a woman in crisis we must first listen. Listening allows us to enter into the pain of the woman, offer encouragement in the face of a difficult time, and most importantly, bring peace to that moment.
As I toured a pregnancy center, I was amazed at how eloquent everything was. The walls were painted a relaxing color and the whole place was nicely decorated. The pregnancy center was a place that made me feel at home. I could hardly tell that it is the place where many young women find themselves in crisis – until I looked at how the seats were positioned. The entire room was designed to allow a person to be with another in a time of need. Ultimately, by listening in the midst of crisis we can share that pain so that they do not have to carry it alone.
Today, many take for granted the gift of an encouraging word. Gently encouraging women in the face of crisis is no easy task, but there are plenty opportunities to offer encouragement in the face of hardships in our daily lives. Staying with a friend when they are at their lowest place, writing a consoling letter to a neighbor, and making a meal with a kind note for someone who goes without are all ways that we can offer encouragement in the face of difficulty. Encouragement is the beginning to finding peace in the midst of the chaos.
Our emotions are powerful and good. They can be felt or repressed. Many experience emotional distress throughout life. In these moments, we have the opportunity to be with people in what may be their lowest place. Each of us can practice emotional first aid. By using our ears to listen attentively to a woman in crisis can offer a help surmountable to the distress. By entering into the pain of the woman, offering encouragement in the face of that difficulty, and bringing peace at that time; each of us can help those women who are in crisis. Just as I was taught, we need to be teaching the next generation what to do when their friend’s are in crisis.
