Today, I'm a bit numb. Yesterday I was a bit numb. And, the day before... I was a bit numb. And, if I am numb, how are those who are personally walking this road this very moment? I'm experiencing this from afar. I'm not related by family or by community. I'm experiencing this from a distance.
How do we make sense of the senseless...
One of the two pedestrians who was struck by a car Thursday night in south Nashville has died...
As I slept this past Thursday night, I received a text from a friend whom I call my sister. I refer to those friends as my sister-friends. They are the ones you cry with & laugh with through all of their journeys & your journeys, as well. They are the ones who "get you" and yet continually help you become a stronger, better version of "you"! I don't know why the Lord didn't wake me up when the text came in so that I could begin my prayers then. When I checked my cell before 7am that next morning, I read her text & immediately replied assuring her that prayers were being lifted up. The next 8 hours was full of uncertainty, question & earnest prayers to the Father on behalf of this child of 18 and his family.
This child... or should I say this young man... was someone I'd met & adopted as family in my heart years ago. I'd prayed for him growing up as a big brother of two little sisters after the untimely death of their mother. I'd prayed for him & those sweet girls after the untimely & unexpected death of their caretaker, their maternal grandmother. I'd prayed for him as he was choosing his path for a career and for further education. I'd prayed for him as though he was family!
In this moment, I can make no sense of the senseless death of this young man. He was a mentor & guide for his younger sisters. He was a joy to those around him - full of energy & life. He was full of potential. And WHY, I ask God, can that be gone in a moment?
There are no answers to my questions today. There is only HOPE that we will see God bring comfort in this time to those most hurting... HOPE that eyes will be drawn to God as this young man is laid to rest... HOPE that assurance of God's love will be felt in the hearts of those agonizing over this senseless passing.
My heart breaks for those who love this young man. My heart breaks too, for I chose to take him & his family into my heart all those years ago. I hurt. But, my pain can be nothing compared to those who will live this horrible reality on a moment to moment basis for years to come.
My sister-friend, his aunt & in my opinion his "mom" for the past 10 years, posted a note in his honor this morning. It said...
"For baby boy, we love you forever, and your sisters - our angel girls... Κύριε ελέησον"
Κύριε ελέησον" is Greek and means "Lord have mercy". That is the cry of my heart today... Lord, have mercy! For we have placed all our HOPE in YOU! Claiming this verse and so many others today...
"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7Only through the strength of God...
"For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13
Linking with Ann Voskamp - A Holy Experience today...
Oh Indiana girl,
ReplyDeleteI am so so sorry. Words fall short and are frail. Stopping in silence with you here tonight, and aching for those families....
Praying with you,
Jennifer Dougan
www.jenniferdougan.com
Thanks Jennifer! I was blessed to be able to spend Friday afternoon with my friend & get one of the bracelets given out at the service to family & friends. The scripture they chose to remember him by is Philippians 4:13 - a great reminder for all of us!!
ReplyDeleteFor I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.