Paul wrote these words to Philemon in a letter to him. Philemon was a man whose heart was filled with love and compassion. He was a man who revived and restored the faith of others.
I was talking to a friend the other day and with tears in her eyes she thanked me for Umbrella Ministries. She felt when others were through with her grief, Umbrella Ministries stepped in to walk alongside her. The definition of a first responder is someone who is designated or trained to respond to an emergency before more highly trained or professional personnel can arrive on the scene. When the waters have receded and the fire is out, the first responders have done their job. This is the time when one is left with the reality of the destruction. This is where the hard work of restoration begins. There is a wall of faith that needs to be propped up. Emotions that need to be sorted through. Hearts that need mending and a total life that needs a remodel. I believe each one of us who has lost a child can potentially become the more highly trained and experienced grievers. We show up when the first responders have left. Many times we are the first responders and the professional when we are closely associated with the one walking through this devastation. We feel an immense necessity to help carry their pain. They are in need of a Philemon to walk through their door.
Each one of us who has lost a child, as we grow stronger can be a Philemon. We can walk beside a mom who has been shattered and be an encourager. We can motivate and replenish faith when faith has been depleted. We can offer what we have learned on this journey and give them hope that they too will be restored. This journey is difficult whether you are the griever, the first responder, or the professional that walks alongside someone in grief. We have the Lord’s promise to hold onto. When we pass through the rivers of tears they will not sweep over us. When we walk through the fire of grief the flames will not set us ablaze. We have the privilege of watching and working alongside the great Healer. It is a blessing to walk beside women who have withstood not only something that was meant to destroy their lives but who also have chosen to make beauty out of ashes. I know the Lord is looking at us this day and saying you have given me great joy because you have refreshed the hearts of my people.
Lord, I pray we all can be on the lookout to be a Philemon in someone’s life today.
