He entered the ER with incapacitating emotional pain. The first anniversary of his brother’s death had heightened his grief and disrupted his work, relationships and life. He felt absolutely alone. 

I received an impression about how to help him. It was something I’d never done before. His countenance changed when he heard me say, “I remember how I felt when my brother died.”

His shoulders squared as if an unseen burden had been lifted. Hope returned to his face. I hadn’t taken his problem—I couldn’t—but I’d helped him know he wasn’t alone. 

He didn’t need labs, x-rays or medications. He just needed to know he wasn’t alone. Our most horrible experiences enable us to help others. Pain makes us alike; empathy makes us one.

The mists of darkness are on our path. We all must pass through them. With your wisdom and experience, reach back and help another. In doing so, you save souls. Be the answer to someone’s prayer.