Have you ever wondered what to do or say when you have a hurting friend or family member? Is someone you know facing a difficult time? If so, Lauren Littauer Briggs has a new book, The Art of Helping, a wonderful resource every church, care group leader, and individual would benefit from reading.

Briggs addresses 30 of the most common life challenges that we (or the people around us) may face, and it "is a book you'll want to read before you need it -- so that you will have ideas of what you can do and how you can respond -- when you first hear the news." Topics in The Art of Helping range from personal crisis (including divorce, estrangement, job change or loss, elderly parents, and financial problems), to health needs (such as infertility, failed adoption, hospital stays or surgeries, terminal illnesses, chronic illness, or kids with illnesses or disability) and loss (of a pregnancy, child, spouse, friend, pet, etc.). .

Aside from addressing life situations that those around us may face, Briggs provides very practical 'helps,' ranging from recipes, appropriate note or gifts for various events, and the understanding of someone who has walked through these difficult times. . .

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• When a Friend Has a Chronic Illness: What to Say, How to Help