When Tragedy Strikes

Last Monday, Labor Day, my husband's brother and our sister-in-law had tragedy strike her side of the family.  She can say it much better and in much more detail than I can, so please take the time to read her post HERE.  It's her recount of that day and the week that followed.

My heart still aches for his family.  I'm sure they wake up every day and hope that what has happened has just been a really bad dream.  But it's a true nightmare that doesn't just stop at night.  It continues day after day.

The memorial service focused on what a good, kind man this guy was.  He never said no to anyone in need. The preacher used the story of the Good Samaritan to describe him.  He told about how he could fix anything with his hands.  He worked hard.

One thing that stuck out in my mind as we visited with the ones we were related to is something they almost all said, "Thank you for coming." "Thank you for being here."  We wanted to be there. We are thankful we could be there.

Last Wednesday night I did a lesson in my ladies' class about valuing the individual - being present for the person right in front of you.  I love that thought!

So many times, when we visit the sick, comfort the hurting, or just talk with friends or acquaintances, we are in a hurry.  We have a to-do list and a mission, but it's about what WE need or want.  It's about OUR schedule.  It's about OUR time table.  But ministering to others by just being there is HUGE.  BEING THERE is HUGE.  Listening, serving, loving, caring.....it's all about THEM.

This week you will encounter people who need you.  They need you to just be there.  They need to know that you care.  Give them your time.  Listen.  Love. Care. Serve.  Be present.  Value them.  Show them that you have time for them. Don't be in such a hurry.

When tragedy strikes, or even in just normal everyday conversations, someone is needing you to be there for them.  BE PRESENT FOR THE PERSON RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU.  That moment may never come again. Don't waste it.

 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Philippians 2:3-4

Pulled Heartstrings

I've always heard the phrase, "pulls at your heartstrings", but never thought about it much.  I "googled" it and here is the definition of "heartstrings": deepest feelings or affections.  That makes sense and right now that's how I feel.  A little while ago, I watched and online video of some of the Haitian orphans as they met their new adoptive parents in America.  I sat here and bawled.  Just typing this makes me want to cry.

Because of situations I know of and have seen because of my connection with the children of Tipton Home (where my husband works), I have a deep care and concern for children and their well-being.  The thought of children being hurt or neglected in any way breaks my heart.  I know it does many of yours, as well.

Seeing the looks on the Haitian children as they met their new parents was amazing.  They were smiling and having fun.  They have no idea that they've gone through something so terrible and devastating.  They've gone through more in their short lives than I will probably ever go through in my life.  They've lost so much.

But then I saw the looks on the adoptive parent's faces.  They hugged and kissed their new children.  They are opening up their hearts and their homes to them.  The tragedy in Haiti has ended up bringing joy and happiness to them and that is sometimes a hard concept for us to grasp.  Of course, non of these adoptive parents would have wanted a tragedy to happen and cause them to be able to adopt, yet that is what happened. God's ways are not our ways and we don't always understand His ways.  But, we can be sure that He cares for us.  He knows when our heartstrings are being pulled. 

Please continue to pray for the people of Haiti and pray also for these children who have been adopted.  Pray for their new parents and siblings, as well.  And, let's remember to tell God thank you for blessing those children with new families who will love and care for them.