Friday, April 6, 2012

When a Loved One Dies


Danny, age 5; me, age 16 months
Today is the anniversary of my late brother, Daniel's birthday. If he had lived, he would be 61. I dedicate this prayer to all of you who've been forced to say "goodbye" to loved ones too soon.

Alone. Hollow. Broken beyond repair. This is how my friend feels, Lord, since she said goodbye to her dear one. When strangers eased his body into the ground and covered it with earth, her heart sunk with him. She knew her life would never be the same.
She wonders if she’ll have the strength to face another sunrise. Her soul is all winter, with no hope or desire for spring. How can birds build nests and tulips dance when her love lies buried? The enemy has convinced her that she’s forgotten how to sing.
Yet You do not forget my friend, Your child. In the stillness of the night, when she reaches for phantom arms, You hold her. When morning reminds her that she must walk through another day without her loved one, You help her breathe. After the mailbox is empty of cards and the phone is silent, You sit with her, just being. Just loving.
Now more than ever, she needs Your friendship. She’s known You as Lord, Master, and Savior. But today she craves companionship to sweeten her bitter cup. And You are the only One whose sweet water can fill her emptiness.
God of all comfort, sing Your songs of mighty peace to my friend’s heart. Awaken her to the glory of Your embrace.
Reveal to her new reasons to keep living,
and new seasons of fruitfulness.

Send her companions that You’ve chosen, not to take her loved one’s place, but to color in the grey spots with fresh hues of gladness. Soft shades at first, as she opens the prison door of pain, and allows herself a glimpse of light, then brighter and bolder colors as she dares to step outside the door and bask in Your affection.
You alone can turn her sorrow into joy, in ways none of us can imagine. Do what You do best, dear Lord: redeem this death and from it birth abundant life.

In Jesus’ Name, so be it.

References to Scripture: Isaiah 38:14; II Corinthians 1:3-4; Ephesians 2:14; John 14:27; Job 35:10; John 16:20: I Thessalonians 4:13-14; Revelation 21:4-5

I love you, my friend,

14 comments:

  1. Amen to your prayer for your friend, Jeanette. It reminded me of a sweet, sweet song - especially the last stanza - maybe you know it?



    Does Jesus care when my heart is pained
    Too deeply for mirth or song,
    As the burdens press, and the cares distress,
    And the way grows weary and long?
    Refrain:
    Oh, yes, He cares, I know He cares,
    His heart is touched with my grief;
    When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
    I know my Savior cares.

    Does Jesus care when my way is dark
    With a nameless dread and fear?
    As the daylight fades into deep night shades,
    Does He care enough to be near?

    Does Jesus care when I’ve tried and failed
    To resist some temptation strong;
    When for my deep grief there is no relief,
    Though my tears flow all the night long?

    Does Jesus care when I’ve said “goodbye”
    To the dearest on earth to me,
    And my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks—
    Is it aught to Him? Does He see?

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  2. That is beautiful, Jeanette!

    I have a blogging friend who lost hew husband last year...

    Have a delightful day!
    Deanna

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  3. My heart goes out to those who've lost friends and loved ones. I know how it feels . . . May God's loving arms encircle the aching hearts today.

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  4. So be it. Wonderful post, Jen. Thank you.

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  5. A Very Blessed Easter to You & Yours!!
    Marilyn

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  6. Jeanette:
    This is writing from your heart. It speaks volumes to your readers. Thanks for sharing this very personal essay with us.
    Enjoy your Resurrection Day.

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  7. Bless you for sharing this, so beautiful.

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  8. What a beautiful post! It was so good to remember my sister and both my parents today.......THANK YOU!

    Blessings~
    Laura

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  9. A beautiful prayer for so many right now.

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  10. That was such a beautiful prayer. I am sure that anyone looking in who is grieving will be encouraged by your wonderful words and thoughts.

    And peace to you as well dear friend.

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  11. Thank you for sharing this today, Jen. It's very timely for me. Our only sibling, my hubby's brother, died just three months ago, without warning and in his sleep, so it's taking time to adjust to the loss. Your prayer is a blessing.

    Carol

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  12. nice post thanks for sharing looking for to visit more..blessings

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