I wrote a couple of weeks ago about how God never gives us more than we can bear. Well, it seems that He feels I can bear much more than what I thought I could endure. This last week has seen a few more challenges. We began the week with my wife’s cousin passing away. While we were aware it was coming, her overall story was one of suddenness. While she did have a disability, she was relatively young (late-50s), and up until the last six months, was mostly healthy.
With a family that is relatively small, each loss is much more difficult.
Then on Sunday afternoon, our town was rocked with the news that one of the students from my daughter’s HS took her life. (this is the second suicide this year at her school) The issue with this one was that it was one of my daughter’s best friends. She had been one of the friends who was integral in bringing my daughter out of her own depression last year. This was sudden and unexpected for one who showed no signs she was suffering.
Needless to say, this week has been filled with tears and questions. No one knows why these things happen. Why is life taken so abruptly?
My wife’s cousin. Her mom survived a brink-of-death health scare not too long ago. She is still ill, but God chose to take her daughter before taking her.
My daughter’s friend. Young and her entire life ahead of her. That is an even bigger question. Why God allows things like this to happen? Or how a person’s mind gets so scrambled that they feel there is no other solution. I don’t know and won’t pretend to know. But my heart aches for everyone involved. But my heart will always trust in a big God.
Life is so fragile. It can end more quickly than we expect it to, or it can end in a tragic moment of hopelessness. In all cases, there is Christ. He is our hope. He is the answer. When we feel there is no other way through our dead end, He can provide that way. We just need to be strong enough to turn to Him. Or strong enough to turn to others who can help us with turning to Him.
I know there are battles. I know there are struggles. I know there are demons silently screaming in the heads of some. That is why we must be vigilant. Take the time to listen, take the time when we notice something isn’t right; our busy schedule delay is better than a regret that will stamp our memory for the rest of our lives. And if things are beyond your control or ability, say something. A bruised friendship is better than an ended one because you never found the courage to speak up.
I mentioned too that my cousin had chosen to take her life. Through Facebook Memory, I learned that event took place 13 years ago this week. I wasn’t incredibly close to her, but we did have a relationship.
Life lately is happening too quickly. And everything seems to be dumped in such a short time. I thank God for my strong roots in Him and my family. And for you guys. You read this and send me encouraging words. We are all in this together.
And should you ever need encouragement or if you struggle with the demons that plague you, my Inbox is always open. Most of all, God is always a prayer away. Even if you haven’t talked to Him in years, or never talked to Him at all; He hears. Just speak; He listens.
“The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.” – Nahum 1:7
Photo by RDNE Stock project: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-in-black-jacket-holding-brown-cardboard-box-7464702/
Moments for the Heart 