Peace in the Mourning

This morning as I sat on my screened porch, I tried to enjoy the sunlight streaming down from the sky and the light wind dancing through the trees. The birds were singing a sweet tune, as they do each morning, but my heart was not lifted by their song. This little porch is my retreat, my sanctuary. It is where I read, I write, I worship, laugh, and cry. I usually find comfort in my nest, as I call it, but today the weight of the world’s pain was pressing in on my safe space.

My heart is aching for my family, my friends, and complete strangers. I feel helpless to comfort those who are broken by loss and hate. I can use words to express my sympathy for the loss of their loved ones due to a virus that knows no borders, age or race, and for the unimaginable hate crimes being inflicted on my brothers and sisters of color. However, I can’t truly understand their anguish and fears. I haven’t had to face that particular kind of loss or abuse. How can I possibly bring them solace?

Anger and sadness seem to be the current attire of our nation and our world. Smiles are a cover for the anguish deep within. I see pain on the faces I greet and hear it in the words of those I love. I hurt when my children hurt, so I can only imagine how our Heavenly Father must be grieving for His children. I want nothing more than for my children to come to me with their heartache and I know the Father is standing with arms wide open, longing for us to run to Him, the only One who can heal this broken world.

I haven’t been gifted with the knowledge or ability to create a vaccine or to cure the deep-seated hatred that is prevalent in the world today. So, what am I to do? I will mourn with those who are mourning. I will ask questions to gain a better understanding of the pain felt by my family, friends, and neighbors that don’t look like me.  And I will cry out to God for wisdom in how I can love, encourage, and support all of those who are hurting – the grieving mother, the officer’s wife as she watches her husband leave to face a wounded crowd, and the families of those who are persecuted.

Jesus told His disciples, “In the world you have tribulation, but take courage, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). The same message applies to us today. Jesus didn’t say if you have tribulation, He said you will experience tribulation. He also didn’t say, I will overcome the world. He said, “I have overcome the world”. The pain we are experiencing today comes as no surprise to our Father in heaven. Humanity’s sinful nature has caused suffering from the beginning of time. We are not capable of solving our own sin problem so God, being a loving Father, sent His son Jesus (God in the flesh) to bear the great burden of our sins – past, present, and future.

My little nest can only bring me so much comfort. On days like these, when my heart is heavy, I turn to the only source of peace I know, my Heavenly Father. He waits patiently for me, time and time again, as I stumble through life’s hurts, heartaches, and failures – whether they be my own or of those I know and love. He wants nothing more than to comfort you too; to walk alongside you and to carry you on this journey. Your only responsibility is to believe He can.

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30