YOU WILL BE COMFORTED

YOU WILL BE COMFORTED

During this past week, Belinda and I experienced a medical crisis with our daughter, Whitney.  As an expectant mother, she arrived in New Haven to attend a funeral (with her doctor’s permission), and then went into labor prematurely.  The baby girl was actually due in mid-September.  Whitney had very serious complications that caused major concern about the medical outcomes for her and the baby.  Thank God, both have survived and are doing quite well.  Nevertheless, as we welcome Kennedy (our 13^th grandchild) into this world, we cannot help but consider the feelings of others who have had different and devastating outcomes.

Whatever transpires in your life and circumstances, please be assured that CHRIST cares for you. (I Peter 5:7) He knows that It is difficult (beyond words) to observe the deteriorating health and loss of those whom you love and hold close, intimate relationships.  Nevertheless, we must remain keenly conscious of the fact that our GOD is always involved in our process. (Romans 8:28) Therefore, while we must mourn the passing of our natural/spiritual family members, we do so with the full knowledge and assurance that we will see them again in The Rapture.

I Thessalonians 4:13-18

¹³ But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. ¹⁴ For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. ¹⁵ For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. ¹⁶ For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. ¹⁷ Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. ¹⁸ Therefore comfort one another with these words.

From my perspective, it is always inappropriate to say to mourners, “Don’t weep,” or to attempt (in any way) to minimize the journey of recovery that they are navigating through.  Memo To Mourners: We outsiders can only empathize with your loss, as best as humanly possible.  Only YOU and GOD are absolutely aware of the totality of your hurt, sorrow, grief and loss.  For that reason, you must resolve to look steadfastly to HIM. (Psalm 121 – Hebrews 12:2)

Over time, you will start focusing on the more happy and positive memories of your shared life experiences.  It is my belief that this is an emotional coping mechanism that has definite origins in Heaven.

Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, declares “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4) To that end, I offer this simple and sincere prayer: “May the comforting presence of the Holy Spirit surround and sustain everyone who has experienced the transition of a special loved one.  Amen.”

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING.  Maranatha!