Unhelpful Things People Say In Risk # 3

We model the comfort of the Holy Spirit when we truly witness what someone is going through, naming the reality from the perspective of the Trinity.

-Anna Hampton

"You must be so brave."

This series is based on real statements really heard in risk situations.

 
Why is "You must be so brave" not helpful?  

Because the person in risk hearing this response doesn't feel "seen" or understood.  

Often times, a global worker will share their risk dilemma out of a need to process what God is doing and the impact on his or her life.  They need a place of safety to discuss their concerns, the unknown possibilities, their fears. Being seen as brave is really not the goal or main point of discussing risk with someone. 

This response demonstrates a lack of awareness and is dismissive of the actual issues, and also elevates the worker above the other person so that the worker cannot share authentically an issue that may be very frightening.  Often, bravery is simply putting one foot in front of another and never stopping. It’s daily guts to persevere, day after day, year after year.

A better response would be to validate the challenges the global worker is facing in risk and ask an open question.  

For example, "How did that impact you?" What is the next right thing for you to do?

Then listen.