I just heard that someone I know has passed away. She was a lively young mother of two, a beautiful woman full of energy and laughter. It was an unpredictable occurrence that took her life and it happened so fast. I am still a bit in shock and am praying supernatural peace for her family.
It’s a tragedy and one that many will be mourning for a while.
I remember when the 9/11 attack happened and my entire office was in shock. Whether the loss is one or many, it’s painful and confusing. So when a tragedy occurs, people start asking, “Why would such things happen?”
My honest reply is, “I don’t know, but you’re asking the right question.”
I’m asking the same thing. I know that there is good in this world but there is also evil. I know that both life and this world are finite and both will come to an end. I know that this world is full of so much “stuff” and rich experiences but yet none of it can satisfy something deeper within me. I also know there is an answer to this question and I have faith that the outcome is worthwhile, because while I cannot control things or make sense of them I know there is someone greater who can.
What I treasure most in moments like these is I know that tragedies have a redeeming way of drawing people to start asking questions that truly matter – ones that count for eternity. It gives us a chance to explore the purpose of our lives and how what we do today matters in eternity.
There’s an excellent song written by a women who has gone through much heartache in her own life – “Blessings” by Laura Story. She writes,
“What if my greatest disappointments or the aching of this life Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy What if trials of this life The rain, the storms, the hardest nights Are your mercies in disguise”
It reminds me that there’s a bigger picture and that what I’m going through at the moment is an important part of it. And I honestly don’t want to shortcut the experience. So as I honor the hurt and mourn the loss, I want to also celebrate life so her beauty can live on and so we can continue experiencing the blessings meant from it and to share with those around us.
I may not know you or the loss you’ve faced. It may be someone who left us at 2 days old or 90 years old – either may still seem too soon. But as you grieve or remember your loss, would you join me in celebrating them, knowing that commemorating their life would allow those who have not had the luxury of knowing them to still experience their impact. It may also begin to heal and comfort your soul and bring you clarity about the greater meaning of it all.
I know that God is sovereign and that He is good; He’s the Lord of the universe and our loving Creator. I pray that God would bring you peace that is not of this world but is all that you will ever need.