At a Loss for Words

At a Loss for Words

By Keith Bellamy

Have you ever been at a loss for words? Believe it or not there are times I am at a loss for words. Sometimes in writing this column I go brain-dead, if there is such a description. There are other times, too, when I just don’t know what to say about a given subject.

For example, when we get the bad news of a dear loved one or friend being terminal, we often don’t want to accept it. So, we will say something completely off the wall or we will not say anything. I think not saying anything is better.

There has been a lot of bad news lately. Some of this news is on the national realm and some is bad news locally. One example of this is learning that some good friends are dying. And the sad fact of the matter is that we are all dying. It is just a matter of when. And I don’t say this to trivialize the agony some very good friends are going through right now.

I think Jesus would want us to just be there for people. Sometimes in chaplaincy work some well-meaning person thinks we should start jumping all over a person who is sick about their salvation. Do you really think Jesus would do that? I think not.

What I do know is that Jesus would be there, and He would weep with those who weep and He would sympathize with those who have that need. He would not force Himself on anyone and He certainly would not be rude.

Remember, “Jesus wept!” (John 11:35).

Sometimes, when I’m hit with bad news, I am at a loss for Words.

I am at a loss for words right now!