thoughts on the news of the day: courage and strength

May 25, 2011

hmmm…..

            “What’s important to me is my family, the rest is just stuff,” was the comment of a victim of the Joplin tornado that hit last Sunday night.  That’s an amazing thing to say when all of your belongings have been swept away by wild winds.  Oh, sure, it’s easy for those of us who calmly sit in our cozy untouched homes to take the spiritual high road, “It’s all just stuff”.  But is another thing entirely to say it when all has been lost, probably never to be recovered.  Courage and strength is what is required to overcome so devastating a loss.

            A member of the staff at our church discovered yesterday that she has a second bout with cancer to face.  It’s easy for those of us who are unscathed by cancer to try and comfort her with the words, “It will be OK.”  But we don’t really know that.  Courage and strength is what is required to face this devastating disease.

             A recent widow in our congregation and her children are planning the memorial service for their loved one.  Pictures for the DVD display have to be found.  Hymns need to be picked and flowers chosen.  It’s easy for us who aren’t facing life without a dear loved one to say, “I know how you feel; even though we really don’t. Courage and strength is what is required to move through this difficult and painful time. 

            Courage and strength is what is required for each of these folks. My prayer is that God will grant them both.

            hmmm…..