Thursday, May 22, 2008

Tragedy and Understanding...Two Words That Often Contradict Each Other

Tragedy: An event resulting in great loss or misfortune.

When tragedy strikes, our most often response is a simple "why?" "Why did this happen?" "How can good come out of this tragedy?" "Lord, what were you thinking?"

This morning I read a tragic story about a man who has deeply influenced my life and the lives of millions all across the world. Steven Curtis Chapman. Most of us know at least his name and some of us have been greatly impacted by his gifts and talents he has used through music. His love of music is great, but his love for his family is even greater. Yesterday, his youngest daughter, Maria, was struck and killed by their car in the gravel driveway of their home. While that is sad, the other half of this accident is that one of Steven's teenage sons was driving the car when it happened. Tragedy. As I read multiple news stories, I couldn't help but cry tears of pain and sadness for him, his family and his precious little girl. My heart aches for them right now. And then I was graciously reminded that the she is in Heaven, with our Father, our Lord, and my heart began to slowly feel the peace of the Lord. While we will never understand the ways of the Lord, one thing I know for sure is he is faithful to carry us through when we cannot walk on our own.

"I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you in the palm of my hands..." Isaiah 49:16

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your weary souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-29

I have no clue what it's like to lose a child, but I can almost guarantee that it truly is one of the most heart wrenching times in any mother or father's life.

To the Chapman family, my heart goes out to you. My prayers go out to you. May you find peace in the midst of tragedy and truly cast all your burdens on Christ, our author and perfector, our Healer, our Comforter, our Father, our Provider, our Daddy.

Be Blessed and Encouraged!