A man asked a rhetorical question long ago, Am I my brother’s keeper? Of course we all know the truth of what that teaches. In time of sorrow it is even truer; yes we are our brother and sister’s keeper. Why is it then that we seem as a society to resist or be drawn back when the opportunity to help one in need during a traumatic loss arises? Perhaps it is because we ourselves do not deal with death very well. While it is true that it is one appointment we all shall keep, we spend our entire life diverting all our attention away from conversations, and yes the very thought of death.
When someone we know has lost someone of value to them it should be our immediate desire to go to them and offer comfort. To help with house or yard work, take phone calls, assist with funeral arrangements, take them to their various appointments, look after their children, hug them, share a tear with them, a word of affection such as, I love you, am praying for you, or saying nothing at all. Bereaved persons need our support, whether for a week, month, or a year. We need to be available to them and for them as long as they need. This may test our metal and commitment to the one who is hurting.
It is not always easy to attend to the grieving heart of a family member, neighbor or friend. Those who have been through a traumatic loss will tell you it is the most excruciating pain one will ever experience. Yet knowing first that others have walked this path before me and that I am not alone in walking this journey, but that I have supporters is so vital to my success. We honor the bereaved with our presence. One Widow said, “my friend rushed right over when she heard…just sat there with me for a long time…she hurt with me, that I could lean on her…and picked up around the house…” It is especially important that Shepherds not forget this service (James 1:27). Attend! This is Sunrise.
