Goodbye...and grief.

Can my fingers move?  What words do I want to convey? 
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Goodbye... saying the word can often cause our hearts to sink.  As we separate ourselves from those we love, a piece of our heart remains with them.  Whether a small child who reaches out to cling to mom or dad as they leave them for a short time, a spouse serving in the military, or an elderly couple saying goodbye to grown children who live far away,  there is a longing to be with our loved ones that runs deep within.  Love and goodbye just do not embrace each other. 

As a mother of three children, I know that being apart is hard on the heart.  Each of our children is at least 700 miles away from us.  Saying goodbye is hard. 

Grief... with a heavy heart, I know there are many who will not see their loved one again  this evening.  As this day began, there was no thought given to death. 

Today as I leaned over my desk and held my face in my hands, I could not find the words to verbalize what I felt in my heart.  I just heard of the horrific school shooting in South Florida, and as my heart ached, there were no words.  Then this verse came into my mind. 

Lord, our children are dying.  Senseless acts taking lives.  Help  me find the words Lord! 
Comfort those today whose tears flow without ceasing.  Let them feel Your presence. 

Why Lord?  When will it end?   School should be a safe place.  Lives ended, hearts aching. 

​Nothing is more heart wrenching, emotionally draining, or final than experiencing the death of a loved one.  Without a doubt, it IS the most difficult experience in this life.  Whether it is sudden or after an extended illness,  it is something we cannot be prepared to deal with.   It is a lonely experience that we deal with from within.   

If you are affected by the tragedy today, please know my heart aches for you and you are in my prayers. But please know that you are not alone in this dark time.   He is there with you. 
​Jesus promises us,   I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.   John 14:18

Another name for Jesus, Emmanuel, means  "God with us."   Yes, this name is a reminder that when we gave our life to Christ, He came to live within.  As we weep and grieve, may we find comfort knowing HE understands and feels our pain.   Jesus is well acquainted with pain.   Jesus wept also.   He is the source of all comfort.  Run to Him.

We grieve, we are angry, but we have hope.   
We trust in the love He has for us and we trust that He is in control of our lives.
He knows the end from the beginning and He will carry us and comfort us. 

I am here for you.  As your sister in Christ, please know that I am always just an email away.