This series is based on real statements heard in risk situations.
#3 "You must be so brave."
Why is "You must be so brave" not helpful?
Because the person in risk hearing this response doesn't feel "seen" or understood.
Often times, a global worker will share their risk dilemma out of a need to process what God is doing and the impact on his or her life. Being seen as brave is really not the goal or main point of discussing risk with someone.
This response demonstrates a lack of awareness and is dismissive of the actual issues, and also elevates the worker above the other person so that the worker cannot share authentically an issue that may be very frightening.
A better response would be to validate the challenges the global worker is facing in risk and ask an open question.
For example, "How did that impact you?"
Then listen.
Go To:
Unhelpful Things People Say in Risk #2
Unhelpful Things People Say in Risk #4