All things work together for
   good.
How often I've quoted those words
   from Romans 8:28
To someone facing a personal
   problem ---
A family crisis --- a business failure.

But when my own body shows signs
   of falling apart,
My husband's business is on
   the verge of bankruptcy,
And my mother is facing her
   second cancer surgery,
There are times when
Someone who has not experienced
   my pain
Glibly quoting Romans 8:28 in my
   ear ---
Quite honestly ---
Can make me angry.

After years of prescribing pat
   answers,
Through my own crises, I'm
   realizing that
Sometimes
It's better to hold the "appropriate"
   words
And cry instead with the one who
   hurts.
Bear her burdens with her,
Give her time to grieve,
And prove I care and share her
   loss.

Only then will she believe God
   cares
And perhaps someday ---
When she's ready ---
Quote Romans 8:28 on her own.