Kerry asked:

Hi Isa! I have been struggling with how to best support and encourage a couple of people I know who seem to face very difficult challenges over and over again (eg death of a child, followed by death of a brother, followed by serious ilness of sister, etc etc). I sense they are very special people that (i hope) are being tested and prepared for important tasks in the future if they can hang in there, but i don’t know. And i struggle to help them stay positive and find deeper meaning in the extremely difficult life they are experiencing. Can you give me some guidance?
Thanks! Kerry
Im very sorry i will have to miss your talk on the 2nd, i look forward to the next one.

Hi Kerry. May I first say that your light is very comforting. The softness that you project is very welcoming to many, especially those who are struggling and needing nurturing and guidance. Because you are a natural nurturer you tend to feel like you need to help all of those in distress around you. Your role in the exchange with the people you refer to in your question is to stand in and with love. You are not meant to do anything to save them from what they have chosen to go through. You are only meant to show them the support and strength of your heart and love. It is difficult to watch others select lessons that appear to hurt them and cause them to forget the love of the universe. It is natural for one to protect the self and stand back from all that is in detachment. It is natural for one to try to manage through by going to anger or devastation..of defeat. This is a process of transition. Although it is difficult to watch, it is sometimes very important to stand back and allow those suffering souls to sit in the suffering. Sometimes this is just what they need to learn and to understand the experience. These times test our faith, test our strength and extract our courage. It is of their choice how they select to move through this process. Observe and learn from watching what others do. Do not feel that you must stand in the middle of the situation to be effective and supportive. You can observe with love and support while comforting them with your nonjudgmental presence. Sometimes just being there is all we can offer. Sometimes just being there feels like it is not enough but it is the only option. I feel for your friends and for you. Love makes our hearts hurt when we witness suffering in those we care for. This is because we hold love for others but it is also because we can relate to the circumstances. We easily can feel how we would feel if this same thing happened to us. This is known as empathy. Empathy is the key to viewing things from another’s perspective. It is a wonderful learning tool that we should be grateful for. It is a gift that humans are given. Harness this gift and stand in love. Expect no more from the self. This is your only role.

~Isa