Don't force cheerfulness? #laryngectomy, #laryngectomee

 Proverbs 25:20


"Whoever sings songs to a heavy heart is like one who takes away a garment on a cold day."

Singing (or cheerful words) to someone who is sad is not always the best approach. If we are not sensitive to a person's feelings, they may feel like we don't care about what they're going through. Sometimes the best thing to do is listen.

But then we have Proverbs 12:25:

"Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad."

I dunno what to tell ya. Well, I have a thought.

I see a heavy heart is someone who has suffered great loss. A death of some sort: A person they loved very much, a home, a job. It is something in the past that has happened and a person just wants to get through the next minute. Trying to be cheerful with words or song would seem like we don't recognize what they are going through.

However, an anxious person is focused on something in the future. Something that might could happen. An anxious person could probably use some encouraging words, maybe some advice. A word of wisdom could be exactly what this person needs. A kind word for this person might be the what they need. 

I lost a lot after my laryngectomy. Making a phone call and going through a drive thru are difficult for a laryngectomee. That's just a couple things that changed. I think I had a heavy heart at first. But I think I was more anxious than anything; anxious about what my life as a laryngectomee would be like. Visitors who came in and made me laugh were very much appreciated. It helped me see that there is still joy in the life of a laryngectomee. 

I hope my thoughts give you some kind of insight. Next week I might have different ideas about these verses. I just want to encourage you to think twice before being too cheerful around someone. Try to get a sense of what's going on in their life before you pierce them with words. What are your thoughts?

Blessings,

Mary


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