The Unthinkable


The unthinkable happened this week.
A multi-generational tragedy so great there are no words.

We hugged. She wept, “I didn’t sign up for this.”
Pain unimaginable.
Walking wounded.

It can’t be real. These things happen on Law and Order. They happen to other people, not to me, not to us. But on tv, they are resolved in 60 minutes. This will take a lifetime, if it ever is resolved.

The why’s are not for us to know…. Yet.

But He knows what it is to lose a loved One in a violent tragic seeming mistake.

And because He knows - we can trust.

We can have peace that is beyond understanding.
Not peace of the “worry-free” variety.
But peace that comes from a deep assurance that belies common sense. It is uncommon sense.

How do we cope?
Another friend lost her firefighter husband on 9/11. After being bombarded with literature on how to cope, she searched the Scriptures to see what God said about coping. And found that the word “cope” is not in the Bible.
But the word “hope” is.
Nearly two-hundred times.


But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear Him,
on those whose hope is in His unfailing love…
We wait in hope for the LORD;
He is our help and our shield.
In Him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in His holy name.
May your unfailing love be with us, LORD,
even as we put our hope in You.
Psalm 33: 18-22

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 10:23

 

9 comments:

D said...

Beautiful message of the promise that beauty can rise from the ashes. You have so perfectly captured the pain of our hearts again and given us hope. Thank you.

Donna Bolster said...

Beautiful message of the promise that beauty can rise from the ashes. You have so perfectly captured the pain of our hearts again and given us hope. Thank you.

Rhonda Schrock said...

Thinking of you...

I really like your distinction between coping and hoping. So true!

Praying comfort, dear friend, and hugging your neck,

Rhonda

Jeanette Levellie said...

Oh, Susan, I am so sorry to hear you and your family are in pain over a devilish attack. The enemy of our souls doesn't fight fair, but we have weapons he cannot touch--the hope in Jesus' blood and love.
Thank you for encouraging me today. May the Lord heal you and your loved one, sweet friend.

Carol Benedict said...

This is a beautiful post and an encouraging reminder for everyone who has experienced loss and sorrow. Thank you.

I pray the Lord's peace and comfort will sustain you and all those involved in this situation.

Sincerely,
Carol

Marja Verschoor-Meijers said...

I am so sorry to hear something terrible happened Susan... cope and hope... so close, may the Lord be so close to you.

Lynn said...

Susan! I am so sorry, sweetie! My heart is breaking for you and your family. May the Lord bless you with peace and comfort. Please know I am praying for you.

~~Be blessed with all you need, Lynn

Karen Lange said...

Praying for you and your family. We do have hope in Him. Thank you for reminding me this week.
Hugs and blessings,
Karen

quietspirit said...

Susan:
I am sorry to hear that you and your family are going through an extremely difficult time. Will be praying for you and yours.