Instruments of Comfort & Healing
Dear Beloved Church Family,
It is with a profoundly heavy heart that I write to you following the tragic loss of the precious young girls from our congregation who were attending Camp Mystic in Central Texas. Words often fall short in times such as these, when the pain is so raw, the questions so many, and the answers so few. We find ourselves mourning not only the lives that have been taken but the futures we had dreamed of for them – their laughter, their light, their presence among us.
In the face of such sorrow, we turn to the One who is our refuge and strength.
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18.
This verse reminds us of a sacred truth: in our most shattered moments, God draws near. He does not stand at a distance, indifferent to our sorrow. He kneels beside us, weeps with us, and holds our hearts in His hands. He was with those girls. He is with us now.
In the days and weeks to come, many will need comfort – parents, siblings, friends, counselors, teachers, neighbors, and fellow campers. As the body of Christ, we are called to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). Here are three ways we can extend comfort and be instruments of healing:
Be Present in Silence and Love
You don’t need to have the right words. Just be there. Often, a quiet presence speaks louder than any explanation. Sit with those who are heartbroken. Let your love be felt in your nearness.
Lift Others in Prayer and Let Them Hear It
Prayer is powerful. But even more, letting someone hear you pray for them can be deeply healing. Pray for peace that passes understanding. Invite the Holy Spirit to fill them with hope.
Cling to the hope that this is not the end of the story
As followers of Jesus, hold onto the promise that death is not the final word. Love endures. Life with God continues and reunion is real. As one pastor once shared with me – Grief is real because love is real. But grief is not the end, love will have the last word.
Church family, I know the path ahead feels hard, but we are not walking it alone. And together, as God’s people, Jesus will walk with us toward healing.
May the peace of Christ, which transcends all understanding, guard your hearts and your minds.
With love,
Jay
