Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Amen. Amen. To repeat my comment regarding your posting of Cranmer's words of Ashes to ashes ... This is how I survived the untimely death of my 31-year old son, struck and killed instantly by a drunk driver. To be clear, grief was and continues to be at times severe, gasps of grief, but never without the hope of Christ's resurrection. With Christ, a man of sorrows acquainted with grief. we shift from fear to faith. We do not despair. We have great hope and joy despite our grief. We face death head on, not as a natural consequence of humanity, but with great expectation of the day to come when our mourning turns to dancing. I regularly practice my dancing while I wait, with many tears of sorrow and joy, all mixed together. Joy eventually comes, next to, not in place of, our sorrows, but joy does come.
Thank you David for shepherding with words of comfort, not empty or useless, but full of compassion, care, and the Father's loving embrace.
My prayer for those losing their loved ones through this horrific, unexpected event at the Guadalupe:
Father in heaven, sovereign over all details of our frail human lives, draw near to your people near the Guadalupe. May they not lose hope in you despite the severity of their loss today, despite the waters that rage around them. Surround them with ministers and shepherds who can bring comfort and strength. May those grieving feel your strength in the midst of their loss. May they never know a day apart from your love and care. May their faith grow ever stronger, trusting that no amount of evil can stop your goodness. For those who do not yet understand your truth, surround them with shepherds who can lead them to your truth. Help us all to trust in your mysteries at all times, especially in these darkest of hours. These things we ask, through your son, a man of sorrows acquainted with grief, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever.
You too are acquainted with sorrow since the death of your son. I read your prayer for the children who were lost by the Guadalupe and I’m just humbled by your faith and your ability to pray through the tears. Even dance through your own tears. Thank you🙏🙏
Thank you for sharing the words from God’s Word to bring comfort and hope to those grieving and suffering such unimaginable loss. Turning to God is the only way to survive, to move forward day by day, knowing you will be reunited with loved ones for eternity. He is the way, the truth and the life. My prayers are with all who are in the midst of this tragedy.
I have experienced a few things about grief and the time of help that comes. It is not only the intellectual aspects of our faith that comfort us. It is the spiritual power of the Holy Spirit that brings peace to our life--in real time.
Fr. David, Thank you for your comfort, wisdom and guidance you share in this post. We were approximately 60 miles from Kerrville this weekend and experienced heavy rains, but no flooding. Growing up, my family created many memories at Kerrville’s Mo Ranch, a Presbyterian conference site and camp also located on a fork of the Guadalupe. This tragedy has touched me especially hard. I pray all affected by the flooding will know God’s love and strength now and evermore.
The stories emerging now are about heroes, which are wonderful. But that is a small consolation for the losses. And I've seen a video of the rising waters. Impossible to imagine.
David, thank you for sharing God's words of comfort at this time. My heart cries out for those who have lost their children. I cannot amagine their grief, but I know our God will provide love and mercy. May God continue to bless. Amen.
Thank you David for your powerful message today. Having experienced God's unwavering love and presence in the darkest hour I pray that each person impacted will feel his love today. I cannot imagine the pain and grief that they are experiencing.
Thank you for putting words and scripture to what so many of us are grappling with today. Jan Harrison’s comment is so touching to read. I was left wondering how often during your years as a rector you were a man acquainted with comforting the grieving. It shows in this article. Grace and peace to you.
Thank you for these words of comfort in such a sorrowful time. I have felt sad all day especially for those grieving parents but your words helped me end this day with more faith and hope in our God of healing.
Amen. Amen. To repeat my comment regarding your posting of Cranmer's words of Ashes to ashes ... This is how I survived the untimely death of my 31-year old son, struck and killed instantly by a drunk driver. To be clear, grief was and continues to be at times severe, gasps of grief, but never without the hope of Christ's resurrection. With Christ, a man of sorrows acquainted with grief. we shift from fear to faith. We do not despair. We have great hope and joy despite our grief. We face death head on, not as a natural consequence of humanity, but with great expectation of the day to come when our mourning turns to dancing. I regularly practice my dancing while I wait, with many tears of sorrow and joy, all mixed together. Joy eventually comes, next to, not in place of, our sorrows, but joy does come.
Thank you David for shepherding with words of comfort, not empty or useless, but full of compassion, care, and the Father's loving embrace.
Blessings on you for your courage and strength through difficult times and challenges…
My prayer for those losing their loved ones through this horrific, unexpected event at the Guadalupe:
Father in heaven, sovereign over all details of our frail human lives, draw near to your people near the Guadalupe. May they not lose hope in you despite the severity of their loss today, despite the waters that rage around them. Surround them with ministers and shepherds who can bring comfort and strength. May those grieving feel your strength in the midst of their loss. May they never know a day apart from your love and care. May their faith grow ever stronger, trusting that no amount of evil can stop your goodness. For those who do not yet understand your truth, surround them with shepherds who can lead them to your truth. Help us all to trust in your mysteries at all times, especially in these darkest of hours. These things we ask, through your son, a man of sorrows acquainted with grief, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever.
Amen.
You too are acquainted with sorrow since the death of your son. I read your prayer for the children who were lost by the Guadalupe and I’m just humbled by your faith and your ability to pray through the tears. Even dance through your own tears. Thank you🙏🙏
I love the small community of people who are gathering together at The Anglican.
Beautiful prayer. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for sharing the words from God’s Word to bring comfort and hope to those grieving and suffering such unimaginable loss. Turning to God is the only way to survive, to move forward day by day, knowing you will be reunited with loved ones for eternity. He is the way, the truth and the life. My prayers are with all who are in the midst of this tragedy.
I have experienced a few things about grief and the time of help that comes. It is not only the intellectual aspects of our faith that comfort us. It is the spiritual power of the Holy Spirit that brings peace to our life--in real time.
Thank you for reading.
Fr. David, Thank you for your comfort, wisdom and guidance you share in this post. We were approximately 60 miles from Kerrville this weekend and experienced heavy rains, but no flooding. Growing up, my family created many memories at Kerrville’s Mo Ranch, a Presbyterian conference site and camp also located on a fork of the Guadalupe. This tragedy has touched me especially hard. I pray all affected by the flooding will know God’s love and strength now and evermore.
The stories emerging now are about heroes, which are wonderful. But that is a small consolation for the losses. And I've seen a video of the rising waters. Impossible to imagine.
Thank you for reading and responding.
David, thank you for sharing God's words of comfort at this time. My heart cries out for those who have lost their children. I cannot amagine their grief, but I know our God will provide love and mercy. May God continue to bless. Amen.
It is so hard to imagine. Anyone with children feels that pain.
Thank you David for your powerful message today. Having experienced God's unwavering love and presence in the darkest hour I pray that each person impacted will feel his love today. I cannot imagine the pain and grief that they are experiencing.
Thank you, Brian. I so appreciate your readership.
Your grief for others shines through in your VERY comforting words Fr David.
I pray that everyone is blessed to read this not only those who are suffering today but in the future🙏🏻. GOD IS WITH US ALWAYS.🙏🏻
Thanks, Sandy. Grace and peace to you.
And thank you for reading The Anglican.
Thank you for putting words and scripture to what so many of us are grappling with today. Jan Harrison’s comment is so touching to read. I was left wondering how often during your years as a rector you were a man acquainted with comforting the grieving. It shows in this article. Grace and peace to you.
We are all acquainted with loss and grief, for sure. Thank you.
Thank you for these words of comfort in such a sorrowful time. I have felt sad all day especially for those grieving parents but your words helped me end this day with more faith and hope in our God of healing.