November 3
Since the time of the original sin, people have lived in a broken world. We hear about it every day. Crime, wars, disease—all byproducts of this gap that was created between us and God. Since this is the case, we all understand the natural life cycle. Birth through death, we all have similar milestones that link us together. So the question is, why are we unable to talk about it?
The very reason I am writing today is because illness and death have touched my life. My youngest daughter was diagnosed prenatally with a heart defect. She was with us for two wonderful years before the day I held her in my arms as she slipped from this world and entered into eternity with our Savior.
As a culture (in the U.S. at least) we tend to shy away from talk of illness and death. The evidence of this is all those clumsy platitudes people have offered you since they found out about your loved one. The good news is, they most likely meant well and are probably kicking themselves for not saying something more appropriate.
While you are in this season, you may be seeking a sympathetic ear. This community here, or caregiving support groups, are beneficial because we feel we can speak openly about our challenges and fears to those in the same season, those who understand. However, I believe we do a disservice our brothers and sisters in Christ if we only seek this kind of support and don’t share more openly with those around us.
With wisdom and discernment, converse with family and friends about the challenges you are facing. Talk with them so they won’t be surprised by a negative health outcome or death. Prepare people in your sphere of influence for what they will encounter some day in their own season of illness. As with all our conversation, let it be seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. Speak the truth in love, with gracious words.
Prayer for today:
Heavenly Father, thank you for the opportunities you give me to speak with others about the hope I have in you. Give me discernment so that only good will come out of my mouth, that is good for building up, as fits the occasion. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
