In my Hour of Need, God asked Me to be a Neighbor

by Shareen Crawford

I did not expect the divine encounter that happened on the top floor of a hospital. My eldest daughter had suddenly fallen ill, her condition so critical that every moment felt like a fragile thread holding her to this world. My heart was torn between immense fear and fervent prayer.

A Window Into Someone Else’s Pain

Amidst the turmoil, I sought solace on the fifth floor. This hospital, reserved for the most critical patients, ironically offered the best view of the iconic San Francisco Peninsula. One day, drawn to the top floor with a need to express my frustration and pain, I encountered a man who, like me, was gazing out the window, lost in thought.

Initially, I was annoyed. This was my place of solace, my window to shout at God. Yet, as I drew closer, I noticed his sadness, a reflection of what each parent in that hospital was feeling. We sat together in silence, sharing the view, when he commented on the scenery. This sparked a conversation, simple and surface-level at first.

Then, prompted by a shared understanding of our circumstances, I asked him about his story. He revealed that he was there for his child, who was also on the brink of being lost, a heartbreaking repeat of a past tragedy with another of his children. This revelation struck me deeply, and at that moment, I asked if I could pray for his family. Despite not seeking to offer comfort to another, I found myself doing just that, guided by something greater than my own grief.

Mercy for Those We Meet Along the Way

We often find ourselves on unexpectedly complicated journeys like the Samaritan who, “as he journeyed, came to where (the injured man) was” (Luke 10:33). We don’t know why the Samaritan was traveling or what burdens he carried, but we do know he chose to help a stranger in need.

I didn't go to the lobby floor to feel compassion or pray for someone else. But there he was, a father in pain, and I had a choice. At that moment, I offered what little I had: prayer and presence. It was a small gesture, but perhaps, for him, a glimpse of God's love in a dark time.

Our paths are often crossed by those in need, and how we respond can bring hope, comfort, and even a sense of God's presence. We might not be able to solve every problem or heal every wound, but we can choose to be present, listen, and offer what we have. May we always choose to cross the street, to extend a hand, and to be the godly presence someone else needs in their moment of despair.

You never know how close you are to becoming someone's Good Samaritan, just by being present, just by listening. When we don’t feel like we have anything else to give, we can give the gift of our presence and attention to the people right next to us.

God can often surprise us by bringing us into close contact with people we never expected to meet. In those situations, we can choose to be present rather than just nearby. In our shared struggles, let's sit in proximity to God and others, finding strength, hope, and compassion in our collective journey.

SHAREEN CRAWFORD

Shareen Crawford is an Elder at the church that she has attended for the last 23 years.  She is the Founder of sitinproximity.com, a blog where she invites women to get closer to God and each other. With a flair for preaching the gospel with teachings that are engaging and relatable, you can follow her on Instagram at madame_shareen.