Good morning…
One week ago today, we began our Zoom study sharing hard news. The son from a family close to many in our community was found dead the day before. As a summer study group, we stopped right away and lifted a deep prayer for the family and friends whose ordinary lives will never be the same.
Throughout the week, I have continued to pray for the loved ones of this young man I have never met.
Then on Monday, I walked and talked with my dear friend who has known the family intimately for years and years. Hearing the details of the meaningful memorial service honoring the short life this twenty-two year old was heartbreaking, hopeful and healing.
Then yesterday, I was drawn into the tiny chapel at the Ignatius House Retreat Center. I opened the sacred book set in front of the altar. Including the name of this young man, I wrote down and remembered many loved ones whose spirits have returned to our God in heaven.
One unexpected hour passed as I pondered the ongoing presence of this long list of loved ones.
So since we stand surrounded by all those who have gone before, an enormous cloud of witnesses, let us drop every extra weight, every sin that clings to us and slackens our pace, and let us run with endurance the long race set before us.
We may feel alone, but we aren’t. We are surrounded by an army of witnesses. They have run the race of faith and finished well. It is now our turn.
Now stay focused on Jesus, who designed and perfected our faith. He endured the cross and ignored the shame of that death because He focused on the joy that was set before Him; and now He is seated beside God on the throne, a place of honor (Hebrews 12:1-2, VOICE).
I did not plan to spend an hour prayerfully remembering. Yet I am so grateful God gave me this unexpected gift. Even now I am thinking of a few more names I want to add to the holy book the next time I return.
Might you also feel drawn to prayerfully remember? Honoring loved ones who have returned to God, whose names might you write down?
…Sue…
