A few days ago our world was *rocked* so to speak when we learned that two of the boy's friends had been in a car accident and one had passed away. She was only 18 years old.
Yesterday was the funeral.
Of course you cannot help being affected by the death of such a young woman whether you knew her and her family well or were a casual acquaintance. There was very real pain on each and every face in that Church. Even the priest who was presiding over the mass was having a hard time. Even so, he did a wonderful job.
By far the most poignant moment came when her father got up to do the mass readings. That, in and of itself, was a very brave thing to do. He read from Job. We often hear "The Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh away" at times like these....and indeed, it was very moving to hear someone in the midst of such great anguish say those words.....
but he went a step further and read the next verse you don't often hear:
21He said,
"(B)Naked I came from my mother's womb,
And naked I shall return there
The (C)LORD gave and the LORD has taken away.
Blessed be the name of the LORD."
22(D)Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God
I don't pretend to know what his exact thoughts and intentions were while he was reading that.
I do know what hit me is that it appeared he was saying "I WILL trust God right now, I won't question Him, I will exercise my faith in Him and believe that He knows what He is doing."
Even through the tears, extreme pain and confusion of losing a beautiful, young, vibrant daughter, he was saying you can trust in God, there is hope.
That is why although it was a horrible tragedy, one that is excrutiatingly hard to understand and comprehend, her family gave testimony to the hope that the Christian carries. It doesn't always lessen the pain or horror of some of life's crosses, but it does give peace and the courage to carry on.
Because He is with us.
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