In Memory of our loved ones who can't be with us this Easter.
The year 2020 will be remembered as one of great difficulty and loss throughout the world. By the time this "virus" is finished running its course, millions of people will have known someone who has had the virus. And sadly, many will have loved ones who did not survive this invisible enemy that has wreaked havoc across the globe.
Friends, our hearts have felt the sadness of each lost life. Many lives have been taken, leaving a deep sadness for those left here. The sting of death is not one that disappears overnight, but we can take comfort in Psalm 34:18, which tells us that “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”
Sometimes we just need to take our heavy souls to the Lord and pour our hearts out before Him. He is our compassionate God that understands our feelings of grief. He understands the complex feelings of anger, denial, depression, and the others that are all wrapped up in grief. He knows the healing of a broken heart takes time. And during that time, He is near. He is waiting for us to let our guards down and to just be with Him.
Living in uncertain times causes many of us to experience a certain amount of defenselessness. This is a good time to let that feeling of vulnerability impact us enough to remember that our tomorrows are unclear. Our own health could fail. We could face other friends and loved ones struggling with their life. It is additionally good to let the world’s current situations move us to positive actions in the areas we can control.
None of us like to think of the things we don’t want to fix. We would rather dwell on the fun and easy things. Even so, fixing the rough patches will erase any future regrets that could otherwise haunt us for years. All too often we hear of those who say, “I wish I would have…..” or “I hope he knew…..” This doesn’t have to be us.
Let’s take the opportunity to search our hearts!
Is there anyone we’ve had a falling out with that we need to make amends with?
Have we wronged someone and we’re too ashamed to face them and ask their forgiveness?
The opportunities we can take today don’t always have to do with things that are wrong. Some of those things are just areas we’ve neglected just because we’re tired or busy.
Is there someone who needs to be reminded of how much they are loved?
Is there someone we need to encourage?
Have we let those who have lost loved ones know we are thinking about them and praying for them?
Who needs words of love and affirmation today?
We need to remember that during this pandemic, in a sense, we are all in the same boat. Be assured that everyone needs a kind word. Everyone needs hope. Everyone needs to know they are loved.
Let us keep the hurting friends and family who have lost loved ones in prayer. Let us search ourselves and offer our best version of ourselves to a world that needs a kind word, and prayer, and love.
We miss you.
You are always in our hearts.
Revelation 21:44 "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."
Friends, our hearts have felt the sadness of each lost life. Many lives have been taken, leaving a deep sadness for those left here. The sting of death is not one that disappears overnight, but we can take comfort in Psalm 34:18, which tells us that “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”
Sometimes we just need to take our heavy souls to the Lord and pour our hearts out before Him. He is our compassionate God that understands our feelings of grief. He understands the complex feelings of anger, denial, depression, and the others that are all wrapped up in grief. He knows the healing of a broken heart takes time. And during that time, He is near. He is waiting for us to let our guards down and to just be with Him.
Living in uncertain times causes many of us to experience a certain amount of defenselessness. This is a good time to let that feeling of vulnerability impact us enough to remember that our tomorrows are unclear. Our own health could fail. We could face other friends and loved ones struggling with their life. It is additionally good to let the world’s current situations move us to positive actions in the areas we can control.
None of us like to think of the things we don’t want to fix. We would rather dwell on the fun and easy things. Even so, fixing the rough patches will erase any future regrets that could otherwise haunt us for years. All too often we hear of those who say, “I wish I would have…..” or “I hope he knew…..” This doesn’t have to be us.
Let’s take the opportunity to search our hearts!
Is there anyone we’ve had a falling out with that we need to make amends with?
Have we wronged someone and we’re too ashamed to face them and ask their forgiveness?
The opportunities we can take today don’t always have to do with things that are wrong. Some of those things are just areas we’ve neglected just because we’re tired or busy.
Is there someone who needs to be reminded of how much they are loved?
Is there someone we need to encourage?
Have we let those who have lost loved ones know we are thinking about them and praying for them?
Who needs words of love and affirmation today?
We need to remember that during this pandemic, in a sense, we are all in the same boat. Be assured that everyone needs a kind word. Everyone needs hope. Everyone needs to know they are loved.
Let us keep the hurting friends and family who have lost loved ones in prayer. Let us search ourselves and offer our best version of ourselves to a world that needs a kind word, and prayer, and love.
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