I am so sorry!

 

 

Death sprang up in every direction this week.  Sadness prevails.  So much to process, I struggle to mourn, feeling a bit paralyzed.  Why now?  Why these people?  Too many, too young, and no good reasons!  Over and over, I have been told “life isn’t fair,” but these still feel wrong.  How do I accept this as His plan when there is no reasoning it out or finding understanding in His Word?  I let the tears fall, hoping they bring honor to those gone and bring healing to my heart that struggles to accept these as final.

 

It all started off with another high school classmate, the fourth in 10 months.  I only had a few classes with her; we weren’t close, but she was only 46.  Still married to her high school sweetheart, kids launched, she went back to pursue a degree in education.  Such a senseless car accident; hitting horses that had gotten out.  Learned they had just picked up kids who came to visit from the train and were headed home.  Came up over a hill; there was no warning.  I am sure, like you and I, she had plans for her summer, things she was looking forward to doing, projects she wanted to finish, things she wanted to say, people she desired to spend time with…no longer possible.  I am so sorry!

 

A U.S. Navy ship and a cargo ship crossed paths in the waters near Japan.  7 sailors missing!  The fear of not knowing pressed in on these families.  Then, after notification, the list was released.  So young, serving our country, the hope of a nation, and 7 men perished.  Ages 19, 23, 24, 25, 25, 26 and 37 were their years young.  The hopes and dreams of their futures died that day.  An accident, not war, took them from those they love and those who love them.  I am so sorry!

 

More senseless tragedy touched friends and a community I love.  A pastor took a trip by himself for just a few days.  He missed a scheduled appointment.  He didn’t check in with his wife like normal.  No one could reach him, was not like him.  His things were still at the hotel, but his car is not.  Missing persons report was filed.  Authorities began to search for clue of where to start.  The mystery unraveled day by day.  The car was located near a trailhead.  Searchers discovered his backpack.  Then, near the river’s edge, more clues…but they led to the water, rushing of spring melt-off and the search expanded.  Now, a body was found and the lives of a wife, two boys, a church and a community changed direction forever.  Only 52, his seeking to serve the Lord and offer hope, ended.  I am so sorry!

 

An emotional roller coaster for the family of a 22-year old college student held on political charges in an inhumane country.  Released and sent home.  However, he had been in a coma for over a year; brain trauma they said.  Days…they got only days with their unresponsive son and he passed.  The longing, the agony, the uncertainty gave way to hopes fulfilled when he was on a plane headed home, only to have the flood gates of grief busted open.  Whether the information is correct or not, we may never know.  But, a 22-year old young man was goofing around and took a political banner.  Goofing around, it’s what young adults do.  But on this occasion, the poor timing cost him his life.  Pointless and senseless!  No value for a human life.  I am so sorry!

 

While Psalm 34 tells us the LORD is close to the brokenhearted and Psalm 147 says He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds, Romans 12 encourages us to mourn with those who mourn.  As we mourn with others, we are reminded that Jesus is the Father of compassion and He comforts us (2 Corinthians 1).  Understanding losses like these probably won’t come to us.  Ultimately we have to trust Him as Lord over all.  Sadness and heartache will be ever present in this world.  However, we can rejoice, for He has overcome the world (John 16:33)!