"#1 God will never give you more than you can handle..."

Really?  This deserves a full scale 'eye roll.'

You hear the sub-text, right?  Underneath this 'too easy to roll off the tongue' phrase is the implication that if you are falling apart, can't cope right at this moment, are thinking about tearing your hair out,or possibly taking your own life,  then your faith is defective....not enough.....too weak....add your own phrase.

Even young people understand the weight of 'too much.'  Even young people look at others and wonder how they continue to remain upright and moving forward with all the baggage they are being asked to pull along with them.

As you age, you become more and more aware of the imbalance of the universe.  Some folks are asked to carry weights that you shutter to imagine.....like the family whose 19 year old committed suicide only to have the father killed in an auto accident 4 days later and the granddfather die of natural causes to round out the week.  3 funerals in one week.  That isn't too much?

Furthermore, this implies that seeking help: from a doctor, a counselor, a pastor, a friend is a sign of weakness (the greatest sin in American culture).  Is that really the message that we, sinners all, who fall at the feet of a benevolent God seeking mercy, want to spread?

Of course not.  There are times, however, when we have no idea what to say to that friend or co-worker whose life is out of control.  So here are a few suggestions

 "I can't imagine how hard it is."

"I will pray for you each day."

"Is there anything I can do to make today easier?"

"I would be frightened about the future and angry."

Then pray for them every day.  Touch base regularly, not expecting updates or long conversations, just to let them know you continue to think about them.  Invite them out to lunch.  Walk with them knowing you will have to walk in darkness and with fear.

Don't take the easy road out.  Don't spread around platitudes and meaningless phrases.  Don't chicken out.  Stand with them as they face their cross, and know that Jesus will be standing next to you both.