Bearing Each Other’s Sorrows

Devotional for Thursday, July 28, 2011

In the 2006 movie, “We are Marshall,” a plane crash kills most of a college football team. As the team and new coach are trying to piece together their lives again, we see the hand of friendship extended by a rival college team. I walked in on this movie and saw that the best team in their district, a rival team, had put a cross and “RememberMarshall” on the back of all of their helmets. I wondered out loud, “Wow, why did they do that?” My son quickly answered, “To honor the fallen. It could have happened to anybody.” Yes, it could.

I'm sure that you have heard about the tragedy that occurred last Friday in Norway. An imposter killed 86 kids at a youth camp (plus 7 more at a government building). I keep thinking about the people of this grieving nation.

As I read more about the horror the Norwegians are facing there is a tight grip around my heart. In the days that followed 9-11, I remember being awed and a little surprised by the sympathy and support from the people of other nations. Now I understand the hand of sympathy during the dark days that followed us in 2001. What has happened to them could very well happen to any of us, and I am sorry for their suffering. Though we’ve never met - my heart will not let go of the thought of all the weeping mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, families and friends whose worlds have been turned upside down.

“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, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the trouble [same] comfort we ourselves have received from God.”

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)

“…weep with those who weep.”

Romans 12:15b (ASV)

                 In memory of the children massacred on Utoya Island, Norway, July 22, 2011.

Summer’s Sorrow

Summer’s play should bear no grief

Dancing grass and blowing leaf

Sunshine rays are drunk in deep.

Clouds did come, storm did rage

To take away a summer day

From shattered body soul did leap.

Take flight soul into the dawn

Of beauty, peace and safest Arm

Dwell there now and never weep.

Angel holds you by the hand

Escort to the Promised Land

Now summer’s play will never end.

By Mary M. Wilkins,

July 27, 2011

Dear Lord, We come before you and lift up the families, friends, and people of this nation who are grieving, raging in pain, and suffering. Please send your comfort to them. Hold them and preserve them from any more harm. Speak to their hearts and minds so they will know that they are not alone or abandoned. We thank You, Lord, that your word says what the enemy intended for evil will be used for good (Gen 50:20). We pray that this nation will knit together and become stronger. That they will recognize your extended hand of love and feel the comfort of your people around them. In Jesus name, Amen.

I believe that God is calling for intercession. For us to stand in the gap, and pray for those who are in so much pain at a time when they may not be able to form the words themselves. God bless you and keep you.

Written by Mary M. Wilkins