Spirituality of Presence

Posted on February 16, 2013 by Martenson Family of Funeral Homes

What exactly is Spirituality of Presence? It is being present in that moment of time when a friend or family member needs you the most. That time when words will not come forth yet just by being present comfort has been offered and expressed. It is that time when no words are needed when one just sits quietly and listens.

Henri Nouwen expresess it best in the following words.

“When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives means the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving much advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a gentle and tender hand. The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing, not curing, not healing and face with us the reality of our powerlessness, that is the friend who cares.”