Good morning…
When I am processing loss and grief, I often search for a soulful symbol to give voice to my struggle.
After dropping off used items at a consignment store late Thursday afternoon, I quietly browsed the aisles. I was drawn to the silver bracelet above, one of a kind and 75% off. To me, each of the white porcelain circles looks like an eyeball, a silver strand of eyes that see from both sides. As I wear this new-to-me bracelet on my wrist, I sense the presence of the God who sees, our ever-present God who compassionately sees all sides, in every direction, at all times.
I think of Hagar who encountered God as she crouched in the lonely wilderness. As a result of this encounter, Hagar decided to give the Eternal One who had spoken to her a special name because He had seen her in her misery. Hagar said, “I’m going to call You the God of Seeing because in this place I have seen the One who watches over me” (Genesis 16:13, ESV). I am reminded again of a timeless truth: we, too, are seen by God in the midst of our misery. The Eternal One watches over all of us, constantly.
This comforting thought leads me to lyrics from an old familiar song. “His eye is on the sparrow, and I know he watches over me.” Replaying in my mind, this song has soothed my soul all weekend.
…Sue…
P.S. If you feel drawn, you may want to look over the obituaries of Kaitlyn Johnson and Sue Mitchell, strong women of faith who each died last Thursday. A celebration of Kaitlyn’s life will be held today at 11:00 am, and Sue’s memorial service will be held next Tuesday, the 31st at 11:00 am. Both gatherings will be hosted at The Church of the Apostles, 3585 Northside Pkwy, NW, Atlanta, GA 30327.
Please join me in praying for all of the grieving loved ones who are tenderly watched over by the God who sees.
