What is this feeling?

[lizzy16]

One of the MiaMaids in my wards cousin passed away a few weeks ago. The cousin died all of a sudden. She was 16. I am so concerned for this young women. I love her but I’m not even very good friends. I’m not sure how to describe our relationship. We’re friends…but I see her and love her differently then my best friends. Even before the death of her cousin I've always felt this way.

I cry at night thinking about what she has to go through. I want to help her, but I’m not sure how. She misses her cousin so much, They were so close. I’m so worried for this young women.

What am I feeling? Is it empathy? i’ve never felt this way before.

[Gwen]

is it the spirit telling you she needs a friend, to be there for her?

[lizzy16]

is it the spirit telling you she needs a friend, to be there for her?

I don't think thats it. I'm always they're for her and she knows that.

[Guest tbaird22]

I had a similar experience when my bishop's son comitted suicide. I love my bishop more than you could possibly understand. He has help me so much over the last year. But i didn't know what to do and i felt bad knowing i hadn't done anything. Like you, I was totally there for him. Still i felt like i should do more than just "be there" for him, but i didn't know what. Maybe thats what your feeling - yearning to help, but not sure how to.

[Gwen]

when you are crying at night have you prayed to know what to do? it really could be something as simple as sending her card to say "thinking of you".

[lizzy16]

when you are crying at night have you prayed to know what to do? it really could be something as simple as sending her card to say "thinking of you".

Sometimes. I've sent her cards.

[slamjet]

If you only know how jealous I am of you. Every time I hear, read, told that someone died, even family, all I felt was "meh."

I have a friend who has a gift of knowing and feeling what others are feeling themselves. It's a pain in the but sometimes, but he is the most empathetic and compassionate man I know. Although he had to learn to temper his empathy and compassion with pragmatism. Me, I get confused because I'm thinking "what's the big deal?" when I know I should be feeling something.

Use this as a way to be able to touch people. Sit there and listen to them. Send them a card. And help them feel not embarrassed to be emotional around you. I've got this "suck it up and deal with it" mentality and personality so I suck at giving comfort. You seem to have the beginnings of being able to give comfort. It is a gift. Pray about it and ask how Father in Heaven would like you to use it. This may be one way you are to be a tool in his hand for the betterment of others.

[pam]

Perhaps it's a growing maturity. You are starting to really understand the meaning of compassion. As a teenager I can remember feeling sad and sorry for something that has happened to someone I knew..but as I matured I learned real compassion.

[lizzy16]

Perhaps it's a growing maturity. You are starting to really understand the meaning of compassion. As a teenager I can remember feeling sad and sorry for something that has happened to someone I knew..but as I matured I learned real compassion.

Maybe its compassion or charity?

I've been thinking..if I felt this way towards everyone I knew that would be amazing. Maybe I'll try to work on that..although I'm not sure how. The feelings just there..if that makes sense.