Proverbs 15:30 “Light in a messenger’s eye brings joy to the heart and good news gives health to the bones.”
When Job’s three friends had heard about all the trouble that had come into Job’s home, they immediately set out to go and offer their sympathy and comfort. The minute they saw Job, they began to weep and they tore their robes and sprinkled dust on their heads. They then proceeded to sit quietly by Job for seven days and nights. If only they would of kept silent and not put their two cents in.
Oh how helpful it is for us when we are walking through the valley of the shadow of death to have those who love us, come and comfort us. It is especially comforting to have someone walk through our door that has walked through the loss of a child. Those of us who have walked through this valley know all too well how out of control life becomes after our loss. A dear friend of mine is just beginning this journey. There is a feeling that comes with the news of another mother who has lost a child. It takes us back to our first days. I awake every morning with her on my mind. I know if she was able to get any sleep, she is opening her eyes to the realization that this was not a nightmare, but a painful reality. I know and can feel the physical pain she is feeling. She is feeling the intense pain of a heart that has been broken open. The question she is probably asking herself, “How in the world will I live the rest of my days feeling this bad?” So many thoughts and emotions bombard our minds in those early days.
So why do we have to go back and remember our thoughts of those early days? We know that only those of us who have walked through this valley can understand all the feelings and questions that engulf us in those early days. We are the only ones who can offer them a future and hope just by walking through the door. We don’t have to speak a word. We know the pain is too deep to be healed by words. Just the fact that we have shown up, shows we care. It is our gift of hope. The gift of hope is better than any piece of gold or silver we could offer. How can we not be the first responders? Even though it is so difficult to recall those early days, it gives us the ability to feel empathy towards those who are so early on in this life changing event. We know to sit in silence and wait for their voices to speak. They will speak and when those questions begin, we can offer what has helped us. We can be the messenger that offers His light and His good news which gives joy to the heart and strength to the bones.
Lord, even though it is hard to be a first responder, we know that is what we have to do.
Michele
