Monday, July 27, 2009

Unnatural Mourning

Today was a reminder that even though we suffer with pain, there is always somone that suffers more.

I got a call from a friend of mine that knows a family that used to attend our outreach ministry on Wednesday night at church. We all loved this family and became close to the children, as well as the single mom of at least 4 children.

She and her family moved about 1 1/2 ago, but evidently moved back to the area last month. My friend called to say that this single mom had to take one of her children off of life support today.

We don't know which child or what happened, but it does not really matter? What really matters is there is a mom that has to do the unthinkable. She has to bury one of her children. This is not the natural way. This is against all that we believe to be good about this world.

The lie is that this world is good. It is not. This world is filled with sin and evil. This world is not good. We are not to be too comforatable in this world, because our real home is with God.

I had a friend of mine say, "Sometimes I think we all put too much emphasis on our comfort here on earth." These words, sadly, probably will not comfort this mom right now. I dare say that there are no words or actions that will comfort her right now.

The problem too often is that people think that they need to say the right thing, or do the right thing when people are in trouble like this. The fact is, nothing people do or say will help her right now. "I will just pray," is more than the last resort, it is the answer. I read one time that the power or the Reserection is most powerful in the graveyard.

What people need to do is surround this mom with prayer and love. To excuse her when she screams and cries. To listen to her when she wants to tell stories of her child. To look at pictures with her and to remember that child forever.

After my brother died, many people pulled away from me and our family. They said they didn't know what to say, so they said nothing. This is the worst type of offense for the grieving family. The biggest fear is that thier loved one will not be remembered.

Time will not heal this broken heart. There will be a permanent scar on this mom and her family while they dwell here on earth. Only the Savior has the healing touch that will help her.

I am asking anyone that reads this to pray for Tawana and her family. You will probably never meet her, but your prayers and love do make a difference. Pray for peace for her and all families that they never have to know this unnatural mourning.