Think the worst and you're almost there

On Saturday TG and I had the singularly heartbreaking experience of attending the funeral of a girl barely seventeen.

The circumstances of her death are so tragic, I cannot talk about it.

While we don't know the child's parents well, we have known them for several years.

I had no idea what to say but, true to form, I didn't let that stop me from saying a bunch of stuff.

Now when I replay my words (the ones I remember) in my mind, they sound glib and stupid.

I can only imagine the steady stream of clumsy condolences these grieving parents have been obliged to endure.

But in times of appalling loss, we want to do something.

Even though there is nothing to be done except pray that out of the pit of darkness some ray of light will eventually emerge.

The funeral was beautiful. A young girl spoke of her best friend's love of life and hopes for the future.

At the graveside, more friends trooped by the white casket to place long-stemmed roses.

It was a beautiful day. Birds tweeted sweetly from just-greening branches swaying gently high above the cemetery. The air was scented with the lavish purple perfume of riots of wisteria blooming in a nearby field.

The sound of crying mingled in the stillness with the quiet of respect and compassion.

As the preacher read from First Corinthians chapter fifteen, I was grateful that the departed girl had a testimony of having placed her faith in Christ for the salvation of her soul.

The last thing we heard in the church at the conclusion of her funeral was the voice of this very girl, singing Now I Belong to Jesus.

Jesus my Lord will love me forever
From Him no pow'r of evil can sever
He gave His life to ransom my soul,
Now I belong to Him.

Now I belong to Jesus,
Jesus belongs to me!
Not for the years of time alone,
But for eternity.

Joy floods my soul for Jesus has saved me
Freed me from sin that long had enslaved me
His precious blood He gave to redeem,
Now I belong to him.

Now I belong to Jesus,
Jesus belongs to me!
Not for the years of time alone,
But for eternity.

~Norman J. Clayton

She had a strong, soulful voice and it filled the sanctuary with assurance of the blessed hope.

As mothers we know that the worst has happened when we see another mother beside the grave of her baby. We remember the words of Job: For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me.

But we also remember that this week we celebrate the resurrection of One Who triumphed over the grave.

And He will deliver from the grave those who put their whole trust in Him and His finished work on the cross.

So even while engulfed in sorrow, we are able to rejoice.

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 How far is it called to the grave?
The child looked up from its play.
The grave? I have not heard of the grave.
It must be far away.

How far is it called to the grave?
The lover looked up with a smile.
How far? From the golden land of love
It must be many a mile.

He could not see that his darling
With the bridal flowers in her hair,
As he gave her the wedding token,
Was almost there.

How far is it called to the grave?
The mother looked up with a tear,
The rose in her cheek grew pale and white,
Her heart stood still with fear.

How far? O ‘tis close to the hearthstone;
Alas for the baby feet,
The little bare feet that all unled,
Are going with step so fleet,
And they are almost there.

How far is it called to the grave?
It is only a life, dear friend,
And the longest life is short at last,
And soon our lives must end.

But there is One Who arose from the grave,
Who ascended triumphant on high,
With our trust in Him, we’ll know no sting,
Though low in the graves we lie,
And we’re almost there.

~Unknown~

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Comments

[Mari]

I have had this family in my thoughts and prayers often over the last week. As you said, it's the worst a mother can imagine. Although I guess the worst is this happening with no belief. I'm so thankful for her testimony.
I'll keep praying for them in the days to come.

[irene]

I can't imagine the sorrow. But she belonged to Jesus and if we are true believers she is happy, it is we who are saddened by her passing.

[Donna (Texas)]

Ohmygoodness...Bless them All...
Sending prayer for her and her family...
hughugs

[glenda]

Hard to know how to minister to parents who have suffered a traumatic and life-changing event such as this. A broken heart is not a tangible condition that people can see. In one instant what "Forever" meant disappears. From experience I know of a friend who lost a child, and they need to know it isn't the end of enjoying memories and even joy and laughter at times. But if there are days when all they can do is just get out of bed, we need to applaud them for that. We also need to continuously pray for the parents and siblings of this beautiful young girl.....G.

[Sue the Hobbit]

Sadness. Your photos are particularly beautiful.

[Donna M.]

Hearbreaking. I am praying for the family to find peace and acceptance. May God welcome his new child.