Remembering Mercy

I remember Mercy Joan today. It's her birthday. And 8 days later it will be the anniversary of her death. Oh Lord in Your mercy...

So just as I am often fervently praying for my own soul during this hard transition back into life, I am reminded to also join my friends who are still healing from a harsh and painful death. It's amazing how when tragedy hits our path we are able to somehow walk our way through it... through much prayer, much support and encouragement from community, and a whole lot of resolve to reach the other side. But we get through this journey and then the really tough stuff begins. We have to somehow move forward... back, into normal life again. I can only imagine the terror of those mourning the death of someone they have so deeply loved, when they're supposed to pick themselves off the ground and move on. When all the family have left, goodbyes have been said in a thousand ways, and responsibilities face you every morning again, how do you pray and hope once more?

It is the one year anniversary of a very cherished little girl's birth today... and she was only able to be with her family for a little over a week. Little Mercy Joan, your family still grieves your absence from them. Lord in your mercy, hear their prayer. And I am once again reminded to pray for this precious family because I don't believe grieving ever really ends. They have tasted death, but I know they have also tasted His goodness and I pray He has mercy on them this week and reminds them of His compassion on their weary souls.

In a very small, tangible way I have been given understanding into this flight. As the doctor told me at my last appointment, "You're free to go." And as I replied, "Great, I'll just move on with life." I had no idea how much that was easier said than done. We can't just move on when we've been exposed, when we've been hurt so deeply and are still guarding our wounds. It's a road to travel, a valley to walk through... it's a really dark valley. And so as I pray and cry for my own healing wounds, I remember my dear friends that still feel the raw wound of death. And I thank the Lord for His mercy on them and the hundreds that were able to see Christ more fully because of their steadfastness in the Lord. I have cried a thousand times for the unfairness that I must fight this battle with my fragile body every day, but I can only imagine the cry of death screaming in your face.

Lord in Your mercy, Hear our Prayer.

"Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize
with our weaknesses,
but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are,
yet without sin.
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace,
that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Heb. 4:14-16)

"In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications,
with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death,
and he was heard because of his reverence.
Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered." (Heb 5:7-8)