When There Are No Words

This week a tragedy hit our community. A young man – a high school senior – lost his life in an automobile accident on the way to school. It appears the rain falling that morning caused him to lose control and hit an electric pole.

School was already in session for the day and the administrators had the heavy responsibility of sharing the news with the student body. I was called along with other pastors and counselors to be present at the school. Once the news was shared, there really wasn’t much left to say. I had a few brief conversations with a handful of students, but nothing that could really touch the shock and sadness they felt.

What I did observe was what happens when there are no words. Students huddled together and talked. Some simply sat and cried. It was unique to watch students support one another. I saw teenage boys, who might usually just give a quick head nod or a “what’s up?” in the hallway, ask each other how they were doing. They offered hugs. Pats on the back. I heard several times, “how are you doing?” and “are you ok?” One student simply walked around with a box of tissues offering them to fellow students.

It is an event that occurs too often in communities everywhere. Young lives are lost and peers are left to sort through their emotions. I was reminded again of what many people call “the ministry of presence.” Words are few, but simply being present begins the process of healing and provides support for those who are grieving.

I appreciated the way the school leadership handled the situation and continue to pray for the family and friends of the young man. Sometimes, in the midst of our hurt, there are no words. But in the midst of pain, God offers comfort and hope.

What A Difference A Week Makes

On occasion I have the opportunity to perform a wedding or am asked to participate in a funeral service. The first weekend of October I performed the wedding of a young lady from our church. At the rehearsal dinner it was obvious that both sides of the family were excited about the upcoming marriage. Many friends were there to help celebrate and it was a great time for the family.

Then, four days later we received word that a young man who had grown up in our church passed away unexpectedly. He was just 19. It was an incredible shock to the family and to his friends. This young man graduated high school the same year my son did.

On Sunday, we had the visitation and service at our church. The visitation was scheduled to begin at 1:00 pm, but many people were here at 12:30 pm and the line continued non-stop until 4:00 pm. It was a sad day for the family as they had to say goodbye to this young man while at the same time preparing for his older brother’s wedding that will take place 6 days after the funeral.

What a difference a week makes.

In four days I went from celebrating a wedding to trying to sort through the emotions of a 19 year old’s sudden passing.

What a difference a week makes.

On Sunday, a family says goodbye to their son/brother/nephew/cousin. Six days later, they will celebrate the wedding of his brother.

What a difference a week makes.

What a comfort to know that God is present for both. He smiles at the wedding…after all, marriage was His idea. He is saddened at the funeral….after all, His Son came to finally defeat death. He rejoices with those who rejoice and He mourns with those who mourn.

Whatever your week looks like, or whatever your week becomes, it makes all the difference to know that God is there, whatever the week may bring.