Our little community was rocked by tragedy this past weekend as three young lives were taken in a traffic accident. Even now, my heart aches for all three families because I know what it is to lose family members. During a ten year period, I lost both sets of grandparents, my thirty-nine year old aunt and my father who was only 63. It was tough to face funerals and funeral homes after that painful time. Then in 2014, the Lord called our six year old grandson to Himself, and I remember the shock of all our family in this sudden loss. Yet, in spite of all the brokenness we felt, underneath it all was the Everlasting Arms of the Lord Jesus Christ that saw us through. I confess, I do not understand why things happen the way they do, or why the Lord calls some home when He does. It is not always for us to know this side of heaven. However, it is what we decide to do with our pain of loss that can make a big difference in our lives and the lives of others.
When news came out about the tragic accident, our community came together in a prayer vigil to lift up the families. A man in our community streamed the event so that others could watch who were not able to attend. Others rose up to form meal trains for a family and even "Go Fund Me" pages to assist with all the expenses. Then, a high school prayer vigil was held for students who knew these young people. At times like these, we see the love of Christ working to bring comfort to hurting hearts. The Bible tells us that we are to "Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep (Romans 12:15). As we do this, God brings about blessings in the middle of pain.
One of the first and greatest blessings to come from this is the gift of life. Wanting to be an organ donor, Lindsay Sapp saved the lives of six other people and ultimately will touch the lives of 35 others. She has been a blessing to those who desperately needed help to go on living. Even as she gained heaven's crown, she gave to those in need.
A second blessing has been watching so many become the hands and feet of Jesus Christ as they have reached out to minister to the heartbroken families. Coming together in community to pray, raising funds for expenses and providing meals are all tangible ways to show love and comfort.
Finally, we do not know how many lives will be changed by what has happened. When tragedy strikes, we are all confronted with the certainty of death. No one is promised tomorrow. We have today as a gift from God, and we must consider where our future home will be. Hebrews 9:27 tells us: "And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment,...." Each one of us will face our appointment with death; so will we spend it living in the light of God's glory or will we forever live in separation from God in Hell? Tragedies like we have witnessed in our small community makes us all think about that seriously, and my prayer is that many will come to Christ as they consider their future residence.
My mother, God rest her soul, closed many letters and cards to me throughout her life with a blessing that comes from Numbers 6:24-26. I prayerfully am passing this on to the families who lost their loved ones and to our community as well as to those who have also recently lost loved ones. "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you, the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace." If anyone reading this does not know Christ, today is the day of salvation. Tomorrow is not promised. Selah!
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