Warning....this is NOT a creative post today...sorry!
Grab a cup of something, maybe even a kleenex, take a seat and read on...This has taken me four days to write, re-write and edit....sorry, but this is "one of those posts"...Just a reminder of the things we already know, just sometimes forget to remember...and oh, and hey...remember..I am just the messenger.
Last Tuesday, I was at a meeting with some amazing women making some amazing plans. Eeek!!! We spoke about several topics and one of the things that came up was the fact that if one of our friend's called at any time and said that they needed us, regardless of anything else, we would drop everything and run to them...(Julie, that was you that said that, remember???) Our conversation continued on with that topic and we all agreed & wondered WHY we do not do that very same thing for God...drop everything and do whatever HE asks...
The VERY NEXT DAY...I got "that call" from a friend and I was shaken because of the conversation for the very day before..Yikes!
Sadly, three days later we were attending a funeral for a very young women. Throughout the funeral service, we were reminded in scripture that we all die and we were reminded that even though we know that, we often take life for granted. When a death occurs, especially when someone is young, it stuns, shakes and stops us in our tracks and we wonder WHY?
We forget, or better, just simply block out the fact we all know.... Life is Terminal.
During the service, as her dad gave a loving and beautiful Eulogy, he used the word "Mystified" to describe this unbearable and sudden loss. It shook and startled me when I heard him say that because again, just the day prior, I had written an entire post about how God is not Mysterious. As this completely heartbroken dad spoke, I could see, feel and understand his confusion. The loss they are feeling is what I believe we all would agree to be the worst thing we could ever feel.
To see someone in so much pain, distress and confusion just makes me want to drop everything to help them, to do something for them, to ease the pain for them and it is growing by the day. Because I have not personally gone through a situation just like theirs, I have no real idea of what this family is going through, but because I am a mom, I feel I have a crack in my own heart for the loss of their child.
Now, four days later, I still feel the need to do something and there is nothing I can say nor probably even do for them right now besides pray. In the days, months and years to come, there will be time to help...but what do I do?? What do any of us do?? and I was reminded (not in that "Lightning and Thunderous God voice) to grab my overflowing handy dandy Saddleback binder of notes to seek scripture and figure out what I can do...and of course, found it.
I thought I'd share it with you because we all need to remember that Life is Terminal and we need to be ready at anytime to help because that is what GOD has wired us to do....STOP what we are doing...Drop everything else (because we will be back to pick it up) and HELP where needed...when need...at any time...unconditonally.
leaving completely blessed and reminded...you are one special lady...
Posted by: lori | July 13, 2011 at 09:06 AM
How fortunate for that family that they have such a good friend in you to offer them comfort and love in such a terrible time. I love your post and the reminder that He is always there, even if we're not even aware.
Peace be with you all.
Posted by: Lois Houston | July 13, 2011 at 09:28 AM
Stephanie, this is good and so true. Blessings.
Posted by: Deb J | July 13, 2011 at 10:09 AM
I am sorry for your loss, truly so sorry. I am so thankful you dug deep into Christ to find His love in this... I pray that as you reach out to this family and those around us, Grace and Mercy will be present. Love you dear one
Posted by: Kristi O | July 13, 2011 at 10:13 AM
Amen. I can't wait to see what project you are working on with the women's ministry at Saddleback.
Posted by: Kim | July 13, 2011 at 04:07 PM
What a wonderful post!
Posted by: Sharon Graham | July 13, 2011 at 08:58 PM
You have a great heart for God and He will bless you for it. You inspire so many of us...
Posted by: marietjie Harding | July 14, 2011 at 02:27 AM
I'm sorry for your friends loss. Your list of reminders is spot on. Sometimes distance from those we love makes us neglect what we should offer, even if it's only in writing. Words mean as much as actions at times.
Posted by: Denise | July 14, 2011 at 04:36 AM
This just made my day...It makes me stop and be thankful for all the wonderful family and friends I have. I do appreciate you and the daily inspiration you give to all of us. Don't ever stop. I am grateful for this little spot to come to daily and also grateful for your friendship!
Posted by: Betty Roark | July 14, 2011 at 10:23 AM
Thanks for bringing it all back into perspective! Need these reminders! Hugs to you!
Posted by: Staci Shuck | July 14, 2011 at 03:53 PM
A great list of reminders... and what a great group that you can be open and honest to discuss these things together. So sorry for your friends loss.
Posted by: Tania | July 15, 2011 at 06:55 PM
Great words of advice! Having lost my sister at 15 and my grandma the next year and my best friend the next...the best thing you can say is, "I am so sorry you are hurting." and then wait.
Posted by: jennifer | July 16, 2011 at 10:07 AM
Love this, Stephanie. So heartbroken for that family, for their confusion, for what seems like them not knowing the promise of eternity in heaven with their daughter. Love your beautiful heart.
Posted by: Jen Clark | July 30, 2011 at 08:12 PM