Surrounded
Do you ever feel like you’re surrounded by people who are no longer here? I feel that way sometimes, lately more than ever. All of us have experienced the loss of a loved one, whether a grandparent, parent, spouse, sibling, friend, or even a child. Each loss affects us in a different way. Some losses are hard to recover from–the sudden loss of a husband or child. Other losses fade in time, and even as the memories remain the pain lessens. But there are those who seem to stay with us. There are those we still think about every day. They are with us, even though they are gone. We incorporate the loss into our lives. It’s like learning to live with a missing limb–we move on, sometimes staggering, but the loss is an ever-present reality.
My mother died one year ago and I still think about her daily. My father died 20 years ago and he is still a part of my daily life. My husband’s brother died last week suddenly, and we are still dealing with the shock and pain. As I thought about this, how sometimes I feel like I’m surrounded by people who are no longer alive, I remembered the verse above. The bible says we are surrounded by those who have passed on. In Hebrews 11, the faith chapter, the patriarchs and matriarchs are mentioned by name: Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Rahab. They are with us, in some sense, and not just surrounding us, but I get the sense they are cheering us on. They finished the race and lived for God, and we can too. We can “lay aside the weights” that threaten to immobilize us; we can “run with endurance the race set before us.” We can look to Jesus and finish strong.
Katie; first of all I offer prayers and condolences for your recent loss. Loss is something that is extremely difficult to go thru. Losing my own mother 3 years ago, it sometimes feels like yesterday. My dad, 6 years ago. The emptiness remains after being parentless, but once you get past the sudden pain of shock, you are right…that loved one always remains with us. May you find comfort in knowing that you have been formed, shaped and forever changed because of the presence of those in our lives that are no more. What a happy reunion over there! ((Hugs))
Oh Katie, I am so sorry for your recent loss. My heart breaks for you all.
My mom passed away 2 years ago, and she is with me every single day. I miss talking to her in person. She was my confidant, my biggest cheerleader. I miss bouncing off ideas/thoughts with her. I miss my dad too; although he passed away 26 years ago.