Blindsided

My brother called last Friday with the news that Jack, married to my cousin Blake was on a hunting trip and was rushed to a San Antonio Hospital and has been diagnosed with having an erupted aneurysm in his brain. For days his body has fought the repercussions of this unexpected interruption and finally yesterday his battle ended, and as someone wrote on a carebridge post to his family..."he took his last breath on earth only to take his next breathe in heaven." Those words painted an peaceful image of what each of us who believe in Jesus will ultimately experience.

He was a young man, happily married leaving two sons behind. These are events that no one can predict or imagine. So many of us have experienced these blindsided moments in life....many are in greater depth and sadness than others. This is one of those times.What do we say, what do we do and how do we pray in situations such as there? There are no plat answers...and there is no bereavement manual to refer to. So we do the best we can with what we know. Some are good with food, some with organization, some with errands, some are good with answering phones, some are good at listening...and some have just the right words of comfort. but each of us is good with something..

As far as the prayers...we all can contribute these and we can do it wherever we are in the midst of whatever we are doing. ...the blessing is that God has experienced this tragic kind of grief and ultimate sadness and HE knows and HE understands the emotions and the turmoil and the deepest of loss... He knows about the hole that has been left and the sick stomach....but he also knows how to lead us in prayer for these precious ones who have been blindsided by this tragic event. He knows the strength that they will need....we are called to pray for that for them....he knows the hole in their hearts that has nearly taken their breathe away. He knows the sadness that is overflowing...and the courage that they will need to face the future...and the support that they will need.

We often ask...why...but the answers lie in God's hands. We do not and cannot understand the ways of the Lord...but what we do know is that God is sovereign.He is not just aimlessly without purpose allowing bad things to happen to good people. And when they do happen he does not leave us alone to work things out. He provides support through friends and family and he provides guidance in the midst of what seems to be total chaos. He comforts those who are grieving by giving us a foundation to stand on that does not waver in the winds of trial.

Jack and Blake have a world of friends...and family and God will use this to His benefit and effect all of us of know them...in some way or another...We might not recognize it for a while but God will work in us as well as through this....and Jack's life will, if it hasn't already, have a significant impact....maybe on our perspective, or a realization of what is significant and what is not, or an appreciation for so many of the things and people we take for granted. His short life will remind us to take time for simple pleasures.

The loss of a parent, or a spouse or a child is devastating...and when we hear of such news it once again brings us to our knees in appreciation for the blessings that we have been given, the adventures we have shared, the moments where we have made memories..and the love that we have embraced.

John 6:47
I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life.

Jack now dwells in the heavens of our almighty God. And he has left with his precious family his legacy which God will allow to become clearer and clearer through time. It will show up in his children, in stories from people who have crossed his path, in the remembrance of his wit, and laugher and dry humor that could jiggle a conversation. It will show up in his loyalty and devotion to his family...for his children will carry that on to their families. He and Blake were a team...a couple united and loved greatly by each other. They have shared dreams and lifestyles and trials and opportunities that will always and forever be woven into the fabric of their life together....but life will go on...here on this earth for their family...It will be decidedly different but they will march on through the grace of God that they know. And they too, each of them will continue to make this world a better place as they faithfully go forward and live the life that God has purposed.

(I chose this verse becasue it doesn't matter what boat we have found ourselves to be in...God will gently step aboard and calm the winds of grief and trial that have rocked us)
Mark 6:51
Immediately he spoke to them and said, "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed,

God has sent each of us who know this family to be his hands...and to show His love in any way that can. Many of you have been on this "other" side and know the blessings that God has given us to "do" something or "say" something but the greatest gift that we can give to someone who has been blindsided is prayer. For God knows just exactly what is needed and listens as we intercede and ask Him on their behalf to provide for all those needs. Please pray for this precious family.

Dear Lord, Help us to realize your presence in the midst of heartbreaking circumstances. Give us comfort when we are brokenhearted, love when we are filled with loneliness, strength when we are weakened at the knees, courage to look to the future and faithfulness to stand in the confidence of your promises.
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Praise God wherever you are or whatever situation he has allowed you to be in...for His glory will shine through.