Tag: bereavement

Beautiful souls.

Giving thanks………

In recent weeks, a number of friends have passed away. The world seems an impoverished place because of their loss. They were people of creativity and positivity, of grace and faith. They were a joy to spend time with, to learn from, to be inspired by. Their Christian faith shone from them. I pray for their loved ones who miss them intensely.

In the midst of a world where people can be detached and difficult, it is good to remember those who have gone before us, who have inspired and blessed us. Having sifted my memories, I have realised afresh the vast number of beautiful souls whom I have had the privilege of meeting. People who have been gifted teachers, who have cared selflessly for loved ones, who inspired by their life choices, who have shown kindness in the most difficult of circumstances. It is good to pause and notice all who have blessed and encouraged us.

In Hebrews chapter 12, in verse 1, we are told that : ‘since we are surrounded by a great crowd of  witnesses, let us throw of everything that hinders us and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.’ This is a beautiful reminder of the encouragement of those who have gone before us, that they are cheering us on, as we seek to put one foot in front of another. It speaks of how we are all united in Christ in this life and the next, and of the assurance and connection which this brings.

We give thanks for these people who have had such a positive impact on our lives, and we are grateful. It also makes me reflect on how many beautiful souls are still about today, people who pray, who encourage, who show up even when it is costly.

It is good to realise all the inspirational people who bless us, and for us to take every opportunity to say how much we appreciate them. We might remember them in our prayers, send a text, or send a card. So often we can take people for granted, and so taking time to say we see them and value them can be crucial. There are so many who criticise and judge, it is more important than ever to lift one another up, and to appreciate and encourage.

Gracious God, we ask forgiveness that people in this world can be so polarised in their opinions, so ready to criticise and disparage. I confess that I also can be quick to judge. Cleanse me, Lord Jesus, and help me to love as you love me. Help me cultivate an attitude of grace and appreciation to others, to speak kind and true words, and only what is necessary. May the example of beautiful souls inspire us, to seek to reflect Your love and light in this world. Holy spirit, with thankful hearts, may we honour their legacy, may we create rather than destroy, build rather than tear down, and wherever possible bless and encourage, in Jesus’ name, Amen

Melon makes me cry!

Memories at Christmas!

Recent weeks have been tricky. I love the season of Advent- the anticipation, the candles, the wonder, as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ with the world. It is such a beautiful time of the year, filled with hope and possibility.

However it is also so very poignant. It is difficult not to look back and remember past Christmases, and remember those no longer with you. I am at an age where my Christmas card list has shrunk, because a number of my friends are no longer here. And the number of empty places at the table has meant that a table is barely required.

Melon makes me cry, because my mum loved melon. After her surgeries 8 years ago, she was often thirsty, and when she had melon, her whole face lit up, and she enjoyed it so much. I so enjoyed buying her melon.

Now I see melon in the supermarket, and I am all ready to put it in my basket, and then stop. My mum passed away in September, and she doesn’t need melon anymore. My emotional muscle memory wants to keep buying it though, and is just a strand of the sharp pain of loss. For the newly bereaved, so many things make us cry.

Advent is still a wonderful time, and we are reminded that Jesus is our Emmanuel, the God who is with us. He understands our grief, and we do not need to pretend with him. The light of the candle flame is more meaningful when you have sat in deep darkness.

Intellectually, I understand that this will eventually become a time of forming new traditions and possibilities. But right now, I just need space to sit in the darkness. I have found with emotional pain, my body often reflects that, and so three weeks ago my shoulder started to hurt. After seeing my wonderful osteopath and a physio it is getting better, but the pain of my shoulder seemed to somehow embody the pain of my heart. I so admire people who manage to live well with chronic pain, because for me even just some physical pain for a short time, I have found exhausting and debilitating.

In psalm 147:3 it says: God heals the broken hearted, and binds up their wounds’. For people whose hearts are sore at Christmas, we are reminded that we have a Saviour who cares, who came to offer salvation to all, forgiveness, love and a new beginning. It doesn’t happen overnight, for healing is gradual, messy and chaotic, but even the possibility of healing, the idea that the pain might ease, and peace come, brings hope.

Gracious and Eternal God, under the shadow of your wings, comes shelter and healing. For all who are sore, whose dreams are shattered, may they find healing nestling in your arms of love. Lord Jesus, Babe of Bethlehem, you weep over the pain and heartbreak of many, whose lives are upside down, who despair and cry out to You. Emmanuel come to us, to all who cry out to You, and may Your presence enable tears of pain to be transformed to tears of relief and thanksgiving. Holy spirit, thankyou that we are never alone, that You hold us in these in between shadow times, until we find courage to re-emerge into the world once more. Meantime, may the prayers and encouragement of family and friends bring blessing and even peace, Amen.