A Land of Exile
Read 2 Corinthians 1:3-7
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles.
-2 Corinthians 1:34 (NIV)
THE death of my only son cast me into exile in a country filled with empty places -- places of sadness and loss. I realized that I would never see him marry, have children, or pursue his dreams.
As I have walked this path of sorrow, I have met others whose children have died. We have shared memories of our beloved children; we have wept and prayed together. We have forged a bond that builds encouragement and provides comfort that cannot be found in any other place. Now the tears that once came from raw anguish have begun to flow in a new form, softened by the comfort and healing that have come over time.
Other mothers who have walked this same path have offered their time and love to help me find a "new normal" for facing daily tasks. In turn, I have been strengthened to give the same love to newly-exiled women who cross my path. My prayer time now includes my cry for their time in exile, their time in empty places. My healing in this land of exile has brought opportunity to offer support and comfort to others. Praying for someone else's healing helps to heal me.
Janet Huff (Illinois, USA)
Lord, equip us to bring your peace and comfort to those who walk in exile. Amen.
Praying for another's healing can help to heal us.
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Support groups for those grieving
