Bolt and Run

A memorial service had been planned for George at a church in Kennett where George and his wife had sometimes attended.   The service was to be held in the evening to allow students, faculty, and friends to make the two hour drive from Fredericktown after school was out.  The family was to arrive early for a meal and to view a memorial video that had been put together. 

Remember, that I said in my previous post that families can get weird?  Well it was a bit tense in that room.  OK, so it was more than a bit tense.  I felt it the second I walked in the door.  And I'm sure you remember the prayer I had been praying, "Lord, help me to honor You and honor George in everything I say and do, and help others to see Jesus in me."  Well, I breathed that prayer several times during the evening. God was so good and helped me be kind, gracious, and loving in that strange environment.    

Eventually the time came to go into the sanctuary for the service.  A beautiful memorial table and flowers were at the front.  I took my place there with George's wife to accept condolences.  And suddenly that feeling of "this can't be happening" and the feeling of wanting to bolt and run as fast and as far away as I could from this nightmare threatened to overwhelm me.  But I claimed the promise, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."   
And then people began coming forward and it was too late to take that run.  What happened as people began coming forward made me glad that I didn't have time to take that run.  More on that later.  

Denial is one of the stages of grief and it can cycle around many times during the grieving process.  If you have ever experienced loss, I would imagine that there have been times you have wanted to "check out" and bolt and run as far away as possible; perhaps in our minds the further away we can get emotionally, the less likely it is that the person we love is really gone.  

I have posted on my blog, "Favorite Scriptures and Quotes To Calm the Soul," some of my favorite verses about God's strength. Just click on the link on this page.   Perhaps you will find a verse that will bring you comfort today.  I invite you to share your own favorite "strength" quote or verse.  Just type it in the comment box. By sharing, you just may be providing someone else with the comfort they need too!  Oh! And remember, there is

Sunshine After the Storm
Blessings
Betsy

George W Rollins, USN