Grief

I was invited by a precious friend yesterday to sit with her at a table for the Bo;s Place luncheon. And if you are not familiar with Bo's place it is an organization that was established to help children as well as adults cope with the grief that accompanies the loss of someone dear and influential in their lives. It is hard to believe as I looked around the room of hundreds that over the years it has grown to be such a huge and successful outreach. But then I consider its reason for being...to be a beacon of light and comfort for so many in this community who are hurting and confused, and need tools to be able to get through life as it is now is..and move gently on into the future.

Like so many other wonderful institutions, this one began in response to a direct experience of a family that resulted in action, that I don't think even they could have imagined....But God walked beside them one step at a time and today a grief center has been established that loves and nurtures and directs the lives of over 500 people a month who have been brought down to their knees by the loss of a loved one. I do not know how all the pieces fit together to get this thought of passion off the ground. I only know it was in honor and memory of Lindy and Larry's precious and greatly loved son Bo ...who lost his battle to cancer at the age of 12.

The program was schatterproof...with Milo as the MC, a beautiful prayer, an outstanding speaker, simply adorned tables...and people....you have to have the people...For it is the people that fuel the continued advancement of the center. As I sat and listened to stories...oh how I love stories...of how effective this center has been to so many...it occurred to me that Bo's Place is doing just what God has called us all to do. To walk along side someone who needs our help and help them. It is a simply concept...but a truly Godly one.

I think most of us can relate to losing someone special in our lives.Some are hit more directly and without notice than others...but we all have some pain..It just effects each of us differently, in different degrees based on different dependencies and different experiences. We can relate to the pain and the hole in our hearts and how we are going to work ourselves back into a daily routine without people treating us differently....but we need the help of someone who understands and who has traveled down this road before us.

Bo's place is blessed to have staff and volunteers to help children and adults alike climb out of the pit of grief....becasue most of them have been there...They know the loneliness, the sadness, and the insecurities that death can bring. But ultimately it is God who sees us through.,,,with the help of dedicated folks like these....and ordinary folks like you and me. God will land us in a place that he knows we would be helpful. We just have to be willing to step up and recognize a need that he ahs given us an opportunity to be involved in...and then be willing to follow through with the help.

Psalm 121:2
My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth
(and he uses each of us to be his hands and feet and voice on this earth)

So where do we fit into this story...well we fit in just where God has planted us...to help someone who needs help...to be willing to stop and notice when someone is in need and not just throw advice or money or prayers their way, though all of those are helpful...the greatest thing we can give is our love and our time and our hearts. That is what God did and still does for us each day.
We think that we are too busy...to stop...or we don't want to get too involved, but it is when we stop and we take time for others that we are blessed by God in His greatest way. It is not a monetary blessing but one of an overflowing heart....for when we take that time to help others...we are releasing the love that God has placed within us and we are allowing others to see God's shining light.

Bo's Place was just an example....ask God to help you see where help is needed and where you would relate the most...and then jump on board...even it is is only for one activity...that is one activity that you would have done in the name of the Lord...and you will be blessed and He will be glorified..

Just one more thing that was said by the speaker, who had dealt with grief on many levels...that stuck so tightly with me was: they can take away you car, your home, your job, your entertainment and your lifestyle....BUT never can anyone take away your memories....Keep them alive....and remember the good things...and the good times ....and talk of them ....not too dwell on the past...but to be grateful for the blessings that have been.

Dear Lord, Help us to see where we can step in and help others..and then nudge us to do it. Amen

Praise God wherever you are or whatever situation he has allowed you to be in...for His glory will shine through.

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