Heavy Heart

[apothanein kerdos]

This Thursday I will stand before my old high school bible club, stand before three hundred weeping teenagers, three hundred teenagers who are worried and confused, and I will be forced to go through the dreadful and unfortunate routine of explaining death to them. During my term in high school I had to endure six deaths...unfortunately this pattern has not stopped and they have lost another student tonight. I was scheduled to teach Thursday and had a message of hope, of relying upon Jesus, of casting your cares onto Him...and suddenly Jesus seems so far from these youth.

How can I look these kids in their eyes and tell them that Jesus loves them when they just have a friend die? How can I tell them that God has developed a plan for their lives when a life has been snuffed out amongst them? It's easy to say, "tell them anyway" but I've been there. I've lost my best friend in a car wreck. I have stood in their shoes six times before and can say with confidence that there is no easy answer.

I am sick to my stomach with grief and confused as what I am to say. I am sending a letter to them (the bible club sponsers) to express my feelings...and I guess I just want to share it with all of you as well:

I heard the news about Robert's death tonight. I am so sorry to hear about yet another death. The sad truth is that in times like this it seems like the only hope we have is that some day death will be but a distant memory while we enjoy eternal bliss. I hope you don't mind if I just send you some words of encouragement. I know that you, as a teacher, have to appear strong in these times even though basic human nature tells you to be weak.

Remember my affliction and my wandering, the wormwood and bitterness. Surely my soul remembers and is bowed down within me. This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope. The Lord's loving kindness indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning. Great is thy faithfulness. - Lamentations 3:19-23

I don

[Can Do (Phil 4:13)]

SJ, what you are saying holds true to most of us in our lives. What is laid on my heart for you, is the saddest line in the Bible.

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John 11:35&version=50

John 11:35 (New King James Version)

35Jesus wept. 36Then the Jews said, "See how He loved him!"

Since our Lord wept at the death of a friend, how are not also to feel the same grief? Rather than letting his friends death consume Him unto bitterness, Jesus was PRO ACTIVE. We should be following his example and ministering to the family of the deceased one. Whilst we cannot raise our dead friends and family back to life, certainly can share in their grief and in their healing also.

Hope I've been some help.

With love

YSIC

Faithie

[Guest Deut]

"I have stood in their shoes six times before and can say with confidence that there is no easy answer. "

Why not start with this?

dewt

[Catsmeow]

May I add a Word from Holy Writ that will soothe and comfort those who believe?

Revelation 7:16/17

16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun strike upon them, nor any heat: 17 for the Lamb that is in the midst of the throne shall be their shepherd, and shall guide them unto fountains of waters of life: and God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes.

[Work in Progress]

Will be praying for you, SJ. You have a very tough task. May God grant you the wisdom and grace you need.

[Charisse48]

Hey There,

I thought what deut had to say sounded good. Starting off with how you have been through this before. Also, my prayer for you is that God will use you as his faithful servant and the Holy Spirit will fill the hearts of those young souls. You seem like a kind soul, I know God will work through you.

Charisse

[Anne]

Hey SJ,

Where to start, eh? That's a tough one Brother.

I lost six of my dear friends too, all at once, in horrible circumstances, pleading for their lives. I don't know why it happens either bro, to good people, if you find an answer let me know.

What you wrote in the post is comforting though, so i'd suggest as deut did, start there.

God Bless you brother, I pray that whatever message you decide to give, will show the glory and grace of God.

Your Sister in Christ Jesus

Anne

[DaNcInAnGeL]

I will be praying for Super Jew..I have never really lost anyone close to me so i am not gonna say i know what it is like to be in your shoes but i will be praying for you and those kids in the school that have lost their friend and that boys family. This is time for God's love and this people need God to wrap his arms around them God will give you the words to say to those teens.

((((((((((SJ)))))))))))))))))))))))

Love in Christ,

Dancin