Oh, the overwhelming sense of grief I feel cannot even begin to compare to the wrecked anxiety, deep sorrow, and pitting angst that people all over the states are experiencing right now. So many around me are going through such suffering that I can’t fathom. From the wildfires in California destroying homes and the physical battle for the firefighters who have responded, to the floods in Texas ripping through entire towns and families torn apart, to the shootings in Idaho with firefighters being ambushed and killed. There has been utter chaos within individuals and families' hearts…waiting. Wondering. Wanting an end to the pain.
The rescuers involved in each of these cases are fighting the daily battle with death staring them in the face, a battle that wreaks havoc in their mind, only to end in nightmares and trauma, silent tears and anguish. And while first responders are indeed heroes to those in need, it’s easy to miss the reality of them being faced with things that no human should see…resulting in lifelong effects and haunting memories etched in their mind forever.
I have friends around me that have family members in hospice, who are battling physical pain and medical complications, who are grieving the loss of a loved one, who are dealing with the turmoil of mental health disorders. There is so much hurt. So much sickness. So much death. My heart breaks as I feel just a minute amount of their grief and anxiety. Why Lord, must this go on and on? Why so much at one time?
I don’t question the Lord out of spite or anger, I am merely asking out of sorrow, a feeling of deep emotion. My eyes are blurry just writing this because I feel people’s heartache. And the only verse that comes to mind is Psalm 34:18, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Somehow, even in our sadness and sufferings, God is there. Grieving WITH us. And comforting us with His love. We are never alone in what we go through…we have a Father to lean on and cry with. To feel angry and hurt. He understands to an even greater level than can be explained. If we don’t go through sorrow, how are we to know what joy is? If we don’t feel anxiety, how are we to know what peace is? If we don’t experience heartbreak, how are we to know what love is?
All I can do is pray and sit with those I can in their grief. Let us be the hands and feet of Jesus, showing others what it means to have a friend, a support when the wind blows through.
