In December I spoke on the subject of loss. I shared the idea that life is one big
experience in loss. None of us escape
it. Few of us are ready for it. When it comes, we are forced to deal with it.
Recently I was sitting in a hotel lobby in Jacksonville,
Florida awaiting a day full of meetings.
I was rested. I had eaten. I was looking forward to the day. And then it hit –loss over Allie. Here is what I wrote as I sat in the lobby…
“I really don’t want to move – or even live for that
matter. This is one of the pains of loss
– a stinging, stunning shock to the entire person. Feelings are skewed, senses are shocked,
actions become hard.
Here I sit. I don’t
want to move. I don’t want to go
forward. I want to go back – but I can’t. Moving forward with loss is like moving
forward without a part of me – a leg for instance – vital for support, stability,
and strength. Where does that come from
now? I feel amputated by the loss of my
daughter!
Strength only comes from You O Lord! You are my hope. In this dark place, I choose you and your
light. Please help me – no – please carry
me! I can’t, you must. I am fully dependent on you. I thought I knew what that meant. Now I am just beginning to know what it
means.
Into your hands that are hard and soft, fearsome and
calming, hurting and healing – into those real, raw, and redeeming hands do I
fall and do I trust.
I need a power not my own – I need you. I am a mess; you are the miracle. Please come and carry me I pray in Jesus
name, Amen.”
God answered that prayer.
And He has continued to answer it.
Every day is hard, which means every day is another opportunity for His
faithfulness to be fulfilled in my life.
How are you dealing with the loss you are facing? How can you help someone else who is dealing
with loss?
Loving and Leading,
Jeff Powell
