Things I’ve learned not to say in the hospital at the very moment of pain and tragedy:
“Everything will be okay.”
“You’re so strong!”
“Pain is what forces you to grow.”
“God has an amazing plan for your life!”
“God is using this for your good.”
“God just wanted another angel in heaven.”
“It could’ve been worse.”
“At least you’re still alive. At least—”
“Cheer up and stay positive!”
“Everything happens for a reason.”
“I understand what you’re going through.”
“Time to pray really hard and read more Bible.”
“God is using this as a wake-up call.”
“Be the change you want to see in the world.”
— and other motivational poster clichés.
Things I’ve learned to say in the hospital at the very moment of pain and tragedy (and even then, not every time):
“I’m sorry.”
“How are you right now?”
“I don’t think it’s wrong to be mad.” (Or scared, or hurt, or sad, or weeping, or uncertain.)
“How can I pray for you?”
“I’m always here.”
Or the best thing: listen.
— J.S.
J.S. Park: Hospital Chaplain, Skeptical Christian 
That last bit is the key! Great suggestions J.S.
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How about this for something to say; “This sucks, and I’m right there with you!”
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Because saying, “I’m right there with you,” infers you know exactly what they are feeling and going through. It trivializes their suffering even if it isn’t your intention to do so. Substituting that for, “That sucks, I’m right here for you and whatever you need,” let’s them know you acknowledge their pain/suffering and they can depend on you.
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“Listen.” I agree. Some people have never told their story. Give them a chance.
I also like to softly sing hymns and play guitar.
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Good grief! I can’t imagine anyone thinking that is a good idea. Leave the guitar at home.
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Only when people ask for a song. Some people take comfort in music. Perhaps we have different definitions of tragedy. I’ve been in the room of very aggressive cancer for multiple people. They’ve always wanted a song.
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I always remind people in any tragedy, “What you’re feeling is real and don’t think it’s wrong to feel ___” because often times many people can’t even comprehend or begin to understand their own feelings and want to reject them.
This is great.
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That is too much; with respect, who cares what you think? Just listen.
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I do listen. And it’s not a matter of what I think, but attending to that person’s needs. Some people do appreciate being reminded. Everyone is different, but there’s no need to be shallow about it. If it’s too much for you, then it’s too much for you.
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Reblogged this on Yahweh Nature.
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“Everything will be okay.” I always scream silently, YOU DON’T KNOW THAT.
“At least they’re in Heaven.” Yeah, but my coverage doesn’t reach there.
My own person true story: Our pastor announced from the pulpit that my brother had died in a car crash two days earlier and we were waiting for a flight home. There was a visitor sitting a few seats down from me.
“Was he a Believer?”
“I don’t know,” I answered him.
“Well, you know he’s going to hell if he wasn’t.”
It’s been 25 years now, and it’s comical, and even at that time I was so flabbergasted, I was speechless.
Second runner up was the woman who, shortly after my mom had died, said, “I know exactly how you feel. My dog died last month.”
Some things are so ludicrous, you just have to laugh, no matter how much you hurt.
Your good things to say are beautiful and perfect. After three deaths in a short time I can attest to all of these, and I did get those types of comments as well.
Thanks for sharing these, Joon.
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