If One Part Suffers

Several days ago the remains of a boy from our daughter’s high school who had been missing for three weeks, were found.  My daughter is in a different grade than the boy and did not know him on a personal level. However, the impact of such grievous news has affected our daughter, permeated the entire school—and the entire community.

The deep impact and mutual outpouring from the community has slowed each one of us down in our busy worlds to pause and consider the great need we have one for another.  

Many of us have been praying for a positive outcome.  Prayer has become a first resort as both the family and the community have sought God for sustenance and endurance during the long, cold, dark days of  “unknowing” in the midst of unfathomable circumstances.

We read in I Corinthians 12:26, “If one part suffers, every part suffers with it…”

Both within the church and within our communities; life is meant to be shared one with another. We each have a role in the scenes surrounding our lives which requires us to give of ourselves to contribute what we can to those who are suffering.

It’s difficult to know what to “do” in times such as these.  Maybe we allow ourselves to feel the loss as we attempt to understand the impact and effect one life taken from us leaves; a marker in our hearts to remind us that no life can ever be replaced. In moving forward with new eyes, perhaps the loss will produce a positive change both individually and in how we relate to others in our community.

As for me, I am doing something that, by all appearances, is so small that one might question the usefulness of the gesture: bringing food items to the school for the Hungry Kid Project.  Although unrelated to the current crises, I feel compelled to bring food.  Maybe it’s my childhood memory of a time when life seemed more simple growing up on a dairy farm, and the feeling of safety and love I associate with food.  I don’t know.  Either way, this is a need the school addresses each week, and I am a part of the school.

If you are struggling right now, limping through life, wondering if anyone cares—please reach out to your community and to a local church.  If you are suffering, we are all suffering.

Romans 12:13 instructs us, “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”

Today, our community mourns alongside a family who has lost their beloved son. We stand with heavy hearts for what we do not understand. However, we also stand with hope for grace, understanding and faith for what lies ahead.

Stay the Course…

Sheila