Today was a day filled with sorrowful news. Two staff have been gone from work for a few days so Donna and I were going to visit them today. Just before we left, I found out one of the staff had returned to work today. She stopped by my house and told me she was feeling better. What had happened was that she found out her daughter wasn't doing well and she rushed to see her. When she saw her daughter, she collapsed (I am assuming it is because her daughter's diagnosis shocked her) and that is why she was gone for a few days. Her daughter is still in the hospital with some health problems ( I am not sure what is causing the problems but it sounds like bleeding ulcers??) and just found out she is 2 months pregnant. This staff member is very concerned for her daughter's health.
Then we went to see the other staff member who has been away for awhile. She is feeling much better, but began to tell us of some concerns she has. Her husband is a detective and was gone on a case of a 25 year old who has murdered 2 young boys. The story was pretty awful, and I do not feel comfortable sharing the details online, but it is a diffucult thing for her husband to deal with. Then she shared that she had just received a text message from a neighbor, before we came, telling her about a fatal accident involving one of our former staff. This woman was visiting her mother in South Africa and was in an accident where her legs were cut off at the knees and her 11 year old son was killed. She knew no more details, but was very concerned for her friend.
There is so much sorrow and pain around here. Days like this are difficult to process and be able to be encouraging to the many families who are suffering. Mother's who have lost sons, mother's whose children are very ill, mother's who are facing the harsh truth that their son is a murderer, women who will never walk again (health care is not the same here with all the options we would have in America), and to women who are carrying the burden of their friends and spouse. God is bigger than all of these problems and He will comfort and help in ways I never could. I am glad He is in control!
Wow, that is a lot of sad news in a short amount of time. I will pray for the joy of the Lord to be refreshed in your lives. He longs for us us to be on our knees in complete dependence on Him...and He does give peace, strength and joy even in the middle of pain. Keep claiming His word, it is powerful. Psalm 121 song :) :) love
ReplyDeleteI lift my eyes up to the mountains,
where does my help come from?
My help comes from You, Maker of Heaven,
Creator of the earth.
O how I need You Lord, You are my only hope;
You're my only prayer.
So I will wait for You to come and rescue me,
Come and give me life.
Love and prayer,
Karen B.