by Pastor Douglas Brauner
Hope in the Midst of Our Tears
You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.
All the Tin Woodman wanted was a heart. As with the Cowardly Lion and the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman already had a heart, in fact, he might have had the biggest heart of all Dorothy’s three companions.
Having a heart hurts. The pain of a broken heart can be overwhelming.
I’m reading my brother-in-law’s new book, The Sound of God Breathing: Healing Words for Those Who Are Grieving. In this book Pastor Don Schatz, whom you might know from his blogs on this site, reflects on his journey of grief at the death of my sister, Lois. I had only read the introduction and the beginning of chapter one when tears began flowing down my cheeks (something that happens much more now that I’m 67). My heart was breaking and still is.
I miss my sister. I feel for Don in his continued journey of pain. In fact it is hard to type these words now because the screen is rather blurry and my t-shirt is getting moist.
But I’d rather cry than not.
“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.”
Romans 12:15 English Standard Version
The effect of sin in our lives is brutal, cutting deep into our souls. Paul reminds us that “the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23 ESV). Being robbed of someone we love ought to hurt. It ought to sting when we weep with others who experience loss.
However, Paul goes on to write, “…but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23 ESV). There is reason for rejoicing even as the tears still flow. Death has been conquered in Jesus’ resurrection. And with Jesus’ victory comes abundant life now and into eternity.
It’s okay to have our hearts broken because they will not be broken forever.
You can purchase a copy of Pastor Don Schatz’s book by clicking on this link: https://www.tenthpowerpublishing.com/dd-product/the-sound-of-god-breathing
Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Excellent! Thank you for sharing this story of pain and loss. My son Don died in 2016 and his birthday is tomorrow. He would have been 45. Very timely! Peace in your grief and loss. Your Brother in Christ, Oly Olson
Oly, may God give you a sense of his presence, his arms wrapped around you, as you continue to grieve.
Tears today
Joy tomorrow for those who believe.
Love you dear nephew and my heart is broken with you having lost both your sisters, your and my moms & dads and my brother Jerry as well. I’ve always felt tears are a healing gift from God and that’s brings comfort. Holding you in my prayers! 🙏🏻❤️
Tears seem to be a part of my life lately. I’ve had to deal with untimely deaths this summer of people that I have cared for and been privileged to be their pastor. Don’s book hit me hard in thinking about Lois and how it stunk that she died during COVID, her and mom. Ugh, but God is a God of victory over death and in this I take comfort. See you soon!