I spoke with my mom last night...finally. Being my mom, she recharged her cell and then somehow turned it off, so no one could call her all day. She says it’s the cell phone’s fault, but...if you know my mom at all...
It was good to talk to her, and hear how things are going. Afterwards, I went and hung out with one of the guys here, just to talk about what was happening and to tell him how God had given the family a great day together on Monday. We talked awhile, and then this fellow made the comment, “I don’t like talking about death much.”
I felt bad...in thinking about my own pain I’d forgotten that this young guy had lost his mom when he was around ten. His dad had become abusive, so he and his brother had left for the streets. When they eventually came back to visit, they found out that their mom had died. Eleven years later, it’s still very painful for him.
But that comment opened the door to a deeper conversation about death and grace, and God’s love for us. Not knowing if his mom was a Christian or not when she died, has built up a lot of fear in my friend’s heart. And I think some resentment and anger as well. When I suggested this was affecting his relationship with God, he answered "Yes", without hesitation.
We ended up having a really good conversation. I think God brought some understanding and healing to this young guy’s life. There were a few moments of tears (what the heck is happening to me?!), but afterwards my friend seemed much more at peace. This was a conversation he desperately needed to have. He'd been suffering quietly for much too long.
It’s interesting how God uses the events in our lives. Shared pain (or joy) can open doors that too often stay closed. There’s something about vulnerability that gives people permission to speak more openly about their own pain. Later, sitting in my room, I realized that some of my own sorrow and heaviness was gone.
Thanks everyone, for your notes and comments of encouragement, and for praying for me and for my family. I really appreciate that. There are still moments when the sorrow catches me off guard, but certainly God is bringing healing and comfort. The funeral for Aunt Ruth is on Sunday afternoon, so if you could pray then as well. For my cousins and my mom and her family the loss of my aunt will be here for a long time to come.
Thanks again for praying.
It was good to talk to her, and hear how things are going. Afterwards, I went and hung out with one of the guys here, just to talk about what was happening and to tell him how God had given the family a great day together on Monday. We talked awhile, and then this fellow made the comment, “I don’t like talking about death much.”
I felt bad...in thinking about my own pain I’d forgotten that this young guy had lost his mom when he was around ten. His dad had become abusive, so he and his brother had left for the streets. When they eventually came back to visit, they found out that their mom had died. Eleven years later, it’s still very painful for him.
But that comment opened the door to a deeper conversation about death and grace, and God’s love for us. Not knowing if his mom was a Christian or not when she died, has built up a lot of fear in my friend’s heart. And I think some resentment and anger as well. When I suggested this was affecting his relationship with God, he answered "Yes", without hesitation.
We ended up having a really good conversation. I think God brought some understanding and healing to this young guy’s life. There were a few moments of tears (what the heck is happening to me?!), but afterwards my friend seemed much more at peace. This was a conversation he desperately needed to have. He'd been suffering quietly for much too long.
It’s interesting how God uses the events in our lives. Shared pain (or joy) can open doors that too often stay closed. There’s something about vulnerability that gives people permission to speak more openly about their own pain. Later, sitting in my room, I realized that some of my own sorrow and heaviness was gone.
Thanks everyone, for your notes and comments of encouragement, and for praying for me and for my family. I really appreciate that. There are still moments when the sorrow catches me off guard, but certainly God is bringing healing and comfort. The funeral for Aunt Ruth is on Sunday afternoon, so if you could pray then as well. For my cousins and my mom and her family the loss of my aunt will be here for a long time to come.
Thanks again for praying.
2 comments:
Praying for you all. When my grandma passed I found it so hard to find a balance between my overwhelming feeling of loss and the excitement of grandma's meeting her Saviour. Its all she ever wanted...anyhow, may God's peace and comfort find you and your family Ken. Let your Aunt Ruth's faith be a shining light for us all. Hugs, Christie
Aaron's Grandma passed away around this same time. It's sad, but we need to take comfort in the fact that Aunt Ruth is safely home. Love to the entire Switzer family.
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