If I don't know what a person is going through, I don't find it necessary to say something just to be saying something--especially those dumb cliches like "Well, at least you've got four more children" to someone who is burying their child. How dumb of a statement is that? No one and nothing can replace that missing child. Just telling them you will pray for them and actually doing it can give them a little hope, if they believe in prayer. One time a preacher was at a hospital visiting a man who was deathly ill. The pastor was at a loss for what to do or say. Another man, however, simply got a wet washcloth and laid it on the man's forehead. He just kept doing that with fresh cool water. When we don't know what to say, a small act of kindness can be much appreciated--like the boy who helped the man cry. That was very touching. As adults we too often have become immune to the suffering of others, and it takes a tender heart to feel their pain--or someone who has experienced it. I had a nephew tell me once, "You're more sensitive than I am", because I shed tears over certain songs. I'm not ashamed to admit that. One that always does that to me is "I Should Have Been Crucified." I can never sing that without breaking down and weeping over what Christ did in my place. I hope and pray that I never lose that sensitivity to the pain of others. Even a dog is sensitive to its master's suffering. What does that say about about some humans?People are reaching out for someone to care and help them with their pain. We who know the Great Physician have the answer to their pain, and too often we fail to tell them. Some pain and scars are too deep for any mere mortal to overcome on his/her own, or even with the help of others. We can't always help them, but Jesus Christ can. When I lost my mother, the pain was too much for me. For months bitterness and anger grew in me until I started lashing out at others (only verbally) and throwing things. It finally got so bad that even I noticed, and I sought counseling with my pastor who had a Master's degree in counseling. Then and only then was I able to start healing from the terrible pain of losing the one person in this world who loved me unconditionally. I was angry at God for taking her from me. I was angry at myself for not being there for her more than I was, and I was just angry in general. It wasn't FAIR! That's the way I felt, but of course she was tired of suffering with many ailments and just gave up the will to live. Could I have done anything to give her the will to live? I doubt it, but I blamed myself anyway.There's another song "I know a Man Who Can." When you find that life is too hard and you can't go on, Jesus can help. He can forgive us of our sins and give us love, joy, peace, happiness and contentment that we will never know without Him. He can ease the pain of our past. However, He will only help us with as much as we surrender to Him. Hanging onto anger and bitterness will only cause us to become more angry and bitter. It will fester within us until it devours us--as it nearly did me. Jesus said to lay ALL our burdens on Him, for He cares for us. When there is no one else, there is Jesus.