Cradling the lifeless form of their newborn daughter, the couple could hardly contain their sorrow. Nothing fully prepares expectant parents for the trauma of losing the precious infant whose arrival had been joyously anticipated through the long months prior.
They were young in the Christian faith, and their shattered hearts needed all the mending “the God of all comfort” might bring.
Comfort them he did. Not in a magic display of immediate relief absent of future tears and void of sorrow surges that can erupt without a moment’s notice. Rather through the companioning presence of One who (though intimately acquainted with grief) embodies the singular kind of hope that “springs eternal”.
To the husband and wife and their young son, a handful of friends, American and international, remained available in respectful but easy reach. In the fortifying strength of intercessory prayer, the small band of the faith community supplied them with the embodied presence of the Lord of Life. Verbal expressions were rarely voiced. They were seldom needed. There are settings where Presence alone speaks volumes.
To the wonder of many – believers and non-believers alike who had filed into the sanctuary for the little one’s memorial service – the young father offered up tender expressions of gratitude to God the Father. Though weary with grief, our gentle=mannered friend, hailing from a land far away, had drunk from waters of grace issuing from the risen Christ.
From their shadowland valley, the family moved forward day by day, drawing often upon the Lord’s peace, his immutable Word, and a company of friends.
©2024 Jerry Lout
Beautiful reminder of the comfort beyond understanding.
Thank you, Rebecca.
Jerry, Long enough ago that bits and pieces remain. My wife and I communicate with the couple every few months. We will have 2 days and 3 nights with them around the first of July. What I do remember was the memorial service in Sharp Chapel on the University of Tulsa campus. The chapel was not bulging with people but those in attendance represented several nations. The husband was and is a very infectious person. He is so easy to talk with even when you didn’t know him. His wife not as outgoing, much more laid back. The chapel was quiet, representing the somberness of the moment. I remember the hugs, the words of encouragement that most of us were willing to offer. I remember the graciousness of the couple. Today they are a vibrant couple that the Lord has used to draw so many, many of their countryman to the Lord. His testimony begins with a bag of groceries from the Lord through a beautiful blond. She poured out a bag of groceries and He poured out His Spirit of love, and joy and peace all over them. They chose and continue to choose to suffer with Him and He continues to glorify them. Ken
Tremendous inspiration loaded with every day truths affecting those who live every day lives of joy mixed with sorrow. Must reading.
Very grateful, my brother.
Grateful, Ken. And so thankful for your upcoming time with our mutual friends. Such in-person fellowship further reinforces the bonds of relationship that have been forged in the furnace of sorrow. And hope.