CELEBRATING IN THE MIDST OF THE ASHES

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Most of us feel like COVID is behind us.  The doors have not only been unlocked, but in some cases thrown wide open.  Travel is at an all time high, the beaches are bun to bun (get it?), and there rarely is a glimpse of a mask anymore.  Life has finally gone back to normal ~ or so we think.  

I watched a special on the news recently which hit me like a ton of bricks.



MORE THAN 46,000 CHILDREN IN THE U.S. HAVE LOST A PARENT TO COVID.

Sit with that for a minute.

We may feel like the threat of COVID is over, but the ashes left behind will be a mark in history, not unlike the great world wide epidemic of the Spanish Flu.  When you are living in the midst of an event, we lose sight of the impact it has on history.  Here is an indication of what history will say about all this ~take a gander at this fact as of June 28


This is staggering! Well over half a million Americans lost.   If you personally do not know of someone lost to this insidious virus, consider yourself sheltered.  I know more families than I care to count who have been left to grieve a lost loved one.

The news report I watched concerned what is being done to help the children left without a parent.  I lost my own father when I was 14 and my brothers were 16 and 10.  I can tell you from personal experience, it is life altering.  The question becomes--what are we doing to help those families left behind? --but especially those children.  I am a living testament of the lifelong impact these losses have on a child.  My story has not always been pretty and the absence of  father during those important teenage years had a major impact on my life journey.

Yes, we are all breathing a tremendous sigh of relief.  We think the worst is behind us and are hoping life has gone back to "normal" (whatever that is).  Many though will never have the opportunity to return to life as it was.  Many are left with gaps in their family--wide gaps--unfillable gaps.  

I am praying we all will be aware of those around us who are not celebrating.  Those around us who are just trying to survive their grief.  Those around us who have been left in the wake of life changing health issues after surviving the virus.  Those around us who have had their lives forever altered.  Instead of focusing on the conspiracy theories, the nay sayers, our personal need for happiness, I am praying we are ministering to those left with altered worlds, those who are just trying to survive the day, those who are reeling in the gulf of loss.  May we all be awake and aware of those in our midst who are not celebrating, but standing in a heap of ashes.  May we be the hands and feet of Jesus as we serve those who will bear the scars of this great tragedy of our lifetime.  

"Be happy with those who are happy,

and weep with those who weep."

Romans 12:15

2 comments

  1. That is a staggering statistic, Lulu, and one I was not aware of. God bless these children and families who have lost a parent or a loved one because of this horrid virus. And yes, we could all find ways to help.
    Blessings!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I was astonished also, Martha. A good reminder to stop and pray and look for ways to help.
    Blessings, My Friend!

    ReplyDelete

Your comments keep my writing and often cause me to think. A written form of a hug or a pat on the back and an occasional slap into reality---I treasure them all!