Saturday, May 11, 2013

Rejoicing With Those Who Rejoice, Mourning With Those Who Mourn

I heard a great piece of news yesterday.  Kevin and I have a friend from our Michigan days who attended the same church as ours.  We've not kept in contact much, but Kevin is a Facebook friend with our friend.

3 years ago, this friend and his wife lost their first child at 27 weeks gestation.  They were serving as missionaries in a moderately primitive area, and the mom had a crisis and the baby was born very early. She only lived 2 hours.

A few days ago, their 2nd child was born healthy and hearty.  How we praise God for this precious gift of another little girl. They will never forget their sweet Esther, but now rejoice in taking Rebekah home with them.

A few days ago, another friend wrote on her Caring Bridge blog that her husband has chosen to stop cancer treatments.  He has been battling a virulent, malignant cancer of the mouth and the time has come for him to go home to Jesus.  That's barring a miracle, of course.  The Lord can heal and may choose to, but barring intervention, M. is going to die.

I'm removed from both situations by distance and we're not close to either friend.  So all we can do is write encouraging messages.  I was thinking, though, that the Lord calls us to rejoice with those who rejoice, and mourn with those who mourn.  It is is hard to be a comfort to those who mourn. Sometimes we can do nothing more than assure others of our love and prayers.  But it helps so much when friends don't pull away in crisis.  I am thankful to read that many family members and friends are visiting and encouraging this couple.

So today, my prayers are with S. and A., parents to Rebekah, and with M. and M., waiting for a separation as M. slips over the threshold and is carried to Heaven.

1 comment:

Annie Kate said...

Yes, Laraba, that is a good point and a good question. I need to think about it some more. There are so many people with needs that it can be paralysing to think of them all and pray for them all.