I do not have the wherewithal to post much new right now.
Like Job, before we can continue with life and pour ourselves into worship, we need to grieve — in Scripture this is described by tearing of garments, covering oneself in ashes, weeping in the square, grieving both privately and corporately, etc… So that’s where we are right now. In deep grief; physically, emotionally, spiritually.
Eventually, yes, the Lord will pull us through the grief and into life & worship.
He always provides.
Our mourning is not inconsistent with the Scriptures or with God’s character. It is part of the process.
So please mourn with us and be patient with us, as we appropriately grieve the death of our child.
Remember the etiquette (“regulating social behavior”, which is loving your neighbor) post, not just for me — but for you, your future, your family, your friends. We are not the only family enduring the death of children.
Remember our cries to God for His mercy, and join us in praying for future grace.
Remember our great love for this fifth arrow in our family, our precious Peace Nikonos.
Remember that there are great resources, both Christian and secular, for dealing with the death of children.
Remember that grief is a process; it takes time, it takes mourning.
Remember the broken hearts, remember the crushed dreams, remember the olive plants who are not sitting around our table, remember the parents & grandparents whose arms are empty, remember the process of grief — and pray to God for mercy upon yourself, your family, your future — and, if you would be so kind, for us & ours as well.
We know that our family belongs to Him.
And we trust Him to lead us through this valley of the shadow of death in His perfect timing.
And we pray for His grace to someday, by His enabling power, fill our home with the pitter-patter of many tiny feet, cries in the nighttime, and laughter in the day.
Thank you for being with us through these trials.
It is so much easier to rejoice with those who rejoice —
but we thank God for you, and your willingness to weep with those who weep.
May God return to you double for your kindnesses.
Dear Melissa, I am weeping with you as you mourn the loss of Peace Nikonos. I would love to send a card, but don’t have your address. Would you be willing to e-mail it to me? My e0mail address is [email protected]. You and your family are in my prayers.
Melissa, thank you for these thoughtful posts on mourning. There is a time for everything, and you are right, at this time it is a time for mourning the loss of your dear child. Mourning free of fear and bitterness and despair is a pure emotion God has given to us to express our love. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. God be with you!
I wish I could give you my shoulder to weep on.
*hugs*
~Jaclynn
Psalms 38:6 I am troubled; I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long.
Psalm 4:1 ¶ <<To the chief Musician on Neginoth, A Psalm of David.>> Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me [when I was] in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.
Psalm 6:2 Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed.
Oh Melissa, Steven, Gabriel and family, I am grieving and mourning and weeping with you all. My heart is broken for your family and the loss you are going through. I simply can’t imagine how it must be for you but I know right now that it hurts beyond words. I wish I could do more for you than pray and offer my love and grieve with you. I know how very precious your 5th little arrow, Peace Nikonos.
May our Heavenly Father give you comfort beyond all comfort.
Psalms 71:20 Thou, which hast shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth.
21 Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side.
Psalms 147:3 He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.
May God heal you in this great sorrow.
*hugs*
Samantha