I spent the day in Ann Arbor Yesterday, with the family of a newborn that was having surgery…newborns should not have to have surgery, and yet this little one has been hanging on for dear life since birth. The birth of a child should be a joyous and blissful occasion, not one filled with worry and fear. The baby came through the surgery well but has a long way to go to be “healthy” and be able to come home.
A friend of mine just lost his 17year old son, under less than ideal circumstances (to say the least). 17 year olds shouldn’t die, they are just beginning to really live. The family will survive and go on but there will be incredible grief, and anger, and questions to the God that they love and Serve, but They will be scarred by the questions of “What if”.
Last week I did a memorial service for a baby that was stillborn, and again I find myself wondering why. Birth is about introducing new life into the world. It should be a joyous time, and yet the family was forced to deal with the excitement of new life and the reality of Death all within the space of a few hours. How will they cope? Does life just go on after something like this.
Also Last week I watched as a man who had lived a full life, but wasn’t ready to be done yet, went to heaven early because of Cancer. He fought it hard, as did his family, but eventually the cancer had its way, and he retired to his eternal home. His memorial service was a celebration since he knew Jesus and had loved many while here, but it was still a memorial none the less, and his family will be left with a great hole in their lives that others will try to fill, but will fail.
These thoughts lead me to this conclusion: Without Jesus I don’t know how people survive this world. These are situations when the normal answers and cliche sayings just don’t cut it. Only real honest love can help people through times such as these. The kind of Love that our Savior demonstrated to us, and that we are commanded to demonstrate to others. My fervent prayer for today is that any who experience difficult times such as these would have people in their lives who are bearing the fragrance of God’s love each and every day. Only Godlove can comfort, when the normal answers fall short
You share God’s message so well in so many circumstances. Keep up the good work. My cousin and his wife and dealing with a similiar situation (I’ve shared with Tori) and will lose their baby either before he is born or shortly after and it’s hard to know what to say and how to feel since I have 2 healthy, energy filled little girls. I thank God for the 2 I have and am happy even in the trying times, and I know you know what I’m talking about (you see them in action) Thanks:)
Hi,
Everything dynamic and very positively! :)
Thanks
Bodyc