Taking Note
Carrying and caring. How we do this deeply defines the way we live in this broken and hurting world where 500,000 people have died in less than a year in the US. As the reporters said last night on the sobering evening news, each one has a story, a family, a loved one left behind. Stories have weight in the world.
Carrying and caring. How we do this deeply defines the way we live in this broken and hurting world where 500,000 people have died in less than a year in the US. As the reporters said last night on the sobering evening news, each one has a story, a family, a loved one left behind.
Stories have weight in the world.
"How will you manage now?"
My great uncle Paul asked me that question as a teenager when my father died. I had no answer. I think it might be why I am one who carries grief and sorrow like a friend; I have known it for so long, aware of the ups and downs, the demands, and the darkness of it. Staggering losses, such as we have known, untold, unshed, unprocessed grief takes its place alongside unprecedented. But kindness lightens our load and connection makes the heart hope again.
Months after my dad died, I met a pastor who became a father figure to me: his time, his words, his concern, and his acceptance wrapped me in comfort. And years later I would meet my father-in-law and his generosity has carried me all these years as well. We all can lift the burden of trouble and sorrow from the shoulders of another with the simple gift of time and small acts of kindness.
Be sure to gently reach out to those who are hurting.
The world can sometimes feel too much for me to bear, and it is then that my heart yearns for a burden-bearer, someone who will carry what is crushing me. We can comfort each other with the knowledge that we will get through this, and we can let the weight of our troubles rest in Another's hands.
"Lord, you know the burden of my sorrow. You have seen trouble and sorrow, you note it, you take it in hand."
~Psalm 10