Being Carried Through Suffering

“There are so many people who have been praying for you and who love and support you.”  As I reflect on the last week and several days, these words that I heard from someone at the visitation before my dad’s funeral seem to sum it up well.  The days since Friday, October 29th have seemed to blur together, at times it seemed like the longest week ever, and yet the days  seemed to have also passed by so quickly.  I cried more than I thought was possible, laughed as memories were shared while my family spent a whole week together, and received more hugs than ever before.  My dad is the closest family member I have lost so far.  Having really only lost grandparents before, this hit much differently and much harder than anything I have ever experienced.  Something I have been reminded of over the last week is that God never leaves us alone in our suffering.  He walks right alongside us and carries us through our weakest and most vulnerable moments.  

It almost brings tears to my eyes to think about all of the people who have allowed Christ to love my family and I through them.  I have been completely overwhelmed by the response of the community around us.  The countless texts, phone calls, and messages from people reaching out to us.  All of the people who have told us to let them know if they could do anything for us. The knocks on our door and people visiting to check in or bring food (So.Much.Food).The countless cards and flowers.  All of the people who showed up at the wake and/or funeral.  And most of all, everyone who has been praying and continues to pray for my dad and family.  I have been reminded that the only thing we can do is accept the love and support that we are being given.  

It is a grace to allow others to show up and lift us up in times of need.  Allowing other people to love us and pray for us gives them the opportunity to respond to the call to be Christ to others.  It is okay to cry, mourn, and feel weak.  When we reveal our emotions and vulnerability to others, we allow them to love us in different ways.  Through that vulnerability and weakness, Jesus lifts us up and changes our hearts and the hearts of those who are helping to comfort us and lift us up.
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Jesus, help us to be open to receiving your love more deeply into our lives.  Give us the grace and courage to be open about our sufferings and weaknesses and allow us to become vulnerable in times of need.  May we see You in those around us and always be receptive to the ways they are praying for us, loving us, supporting us, and lifting us up.  Amen.