Monday; July 5

On July 4, 1969 our family was changed forever. We were all at a church camp when my five-year-old brother was killed in a freak accident. As you might imagine, this tragedy defined our family for a long time. Initially, the impact it had on us was almost completely negative. Things changed and people changed. However, after several years of working through the sadness, guilt and grief something happened. This tragic event became a foundation for members of our family to begin working in trauma and crisis. My parents, especially my Dad, emerged from this event with the willingness to walk with people through their challenges and the resiliency to help them deal with their own issues. Not only were we sensitive to the hurts that others endured, we came to believe that there was hope – and we had the insight and background to be able to guide people through their own process.
The reason that I share this is not to brag, rather it is to continue to offer hope. You see, life is filled with struggles and trials – there is no doubt about that – the issue is what we are going to do with them. Will we allow them to crush us or will we use them to become stronger? Will they make us bitter or better? Centuries before Independence Day in 1969, James wrote, “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2-4). A little later he observes, “Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” (James 1:12).
I don’t know that time heals all wounds, but time and effort can help us survive the hurt. And, who knows, maybe it will eventually give us the opportunity and ability to share the burdens of others.

Think About It!

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