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HANG IN THERE

MAIN POINT
When crisis comes into a person's life, it is difficult to know what to do. In fact, doing anything is about the last thing that is possible. There is simply too much grief, confusion and pain. How does a person "hang in there" at a time like this? Certainly it helps to have a friend to share and bear the burden. This sketch deals with the difficult dilemma of what to do when there seems to be no answers, and opens the door for a discussion of what God might expect of us when we find ourselves in crisis, and how he expects us to help others in the same situation.

CHARACTERIZATION
Mimi and Stephanie are good friends. You should avoid making this look like an all-out argument between the two.

Mimi should have an equal amount of fear as well as anger. The focus of this anger should be the terrible situation she is in along with its dismal outlook. Mimi should lead the emotional roller coaster and Stephanie should always be a few beats behind her.

Stephanie is stunned, but is truly attempting to help. Unfortunately, she doesn't know what to say, but wants desperately to help her friend.

DIRECTOR'S NOTES
1) This is an intense piece. Choose two actresses who are not afraid of crying and showing deep emotions on stage. The depth and believability of the emotions portrayed will carry the story line.

2) Mimi's tirades should be uninterrupted. Stephanie has lines that should be walked on, or interrupted.

3) Where pauses are called for, use them. This is an uncomfortable situation. The audience should feel and see that.

4) With all of the emotionally charged dialogue, try to avoid being melodramatic. Resist the temptation to have them jumping up and down or walking around or pacing.

5) You may find some help with Mimi's tirade by watching Sally Field's performance in Steel Magnolias, specifically near the end as they are leaving the funeral.

RELATED SCRIPTURES
Proverbs 29:20, foolishness from one who speaks in haste; Proverbs 15:23, an apt reply; Romans 8:35-39, words of hope; Genesis 32:24-29, Jacob's relentless struggle to be blessed. The books of Ruth and Nehemiah tell of those who faced desperation and did more than "just hang in there."

RELATED THEMES
Friendship, divorce, grief, interpersonal relationships,
hope versus despair.