This life is difficult. It is even harder to get through, it when someone you love is missing from it. Grief is a part of all of our lives at some point. We usually can’t truly grasp how another feels until we have truly grieved the loss of someone ourselves. I know when I lost my father I felt like the world had moved on after the funeral and those initial weeks after. Then I had my miscarriages. When I walked around in the “real” world I often felt like my pain was so intense that others could just “see” it. I felt different, alone, and misunderstood. The saddest thing is, those things were true. So many people don’t know what to say, do, or even how to approach those who have suffered loss. Most of the time we don’t say anything because we are afraid to say the “wrong” thing and cause even more pain. In my own experience, the thing that hurt the most was when people didn’t ask. When they forgot. I’ve done it, we all have, but we absolutely must not forget those who are grieving, especially those who have lost a child or a spouse. As you know, we are all called as the church to care for widows and orphans. That doesn’t just mean “programming’ and support groups, although those things are good. It means talking with them and processing their feelings. It may mean bringing them meals or cutting their grass. It may also mean caring for their children, and being a mentor to a child who has lost a parent. Maybe it means asking a single mom out for coffee and paying for the sitter. Whatever it takes. They should not be abandoned by God’s people because we just don’t know what to do for or with them. There is a hole in their lives and Christ calls us to help fill it. It is hard work. It is a true call to service. The grieving process takes years. Don’t assume that there is any time limit or a window period for grieving. Just show the true love of Christ, and He will do the healing. Pray for those in our church who have lost someone they love. Call them, go and spend time with them, write them a note. Sooner or later, there will be a time when we will all need the love support of our church family. Let’s be faithful to our call and to each other.
No comments:
Post a Comment