Image courtesy of: Flickr user gnuckx

The Sunday service had already begun when she slipped into the pew. The big dark bags under her eyes spoke weariness. I hadn't seen Jeri* in a while.

After service, I asked her how she was doing. She told me she lost child support and she was having to make less do more. I prayed with her and offered to bring a meal.

It felt like such an inadequate offering for her great need, but it is what I could do. I had to trust God that He is enough. He will provide.

Later, I spoke to my close friend Pam*; I could hear the world's weight in her usually cheerful voice. She told me that her beloved 7th grade teacher (whom she has known for 40+ years) Sister J. has lung cancer and Pam's sister has just learned she has two brain tumors.

Pam said Sister J. read Ann Voskamp's book, One Thousand Gifts, and she continues to give the hard thanks.

My heart felt heavy for Pam as she recently suffered other losses. What to do? We could only turn in prayer to the One who has suffered more than any human.

So if you are feeling grief today, may this adaptation from the Hebrew of Psalm 4 by Stephen Mitchell comfort you:

Even in the midst of great pain, Lord,

I praise you for that which is.

I will not refuse this grief

or close myself to this anguish.

Let shallow men pray for ease:

"Comfort us; shield us from sorrow."

I pray for whatever you send me,

and I ask to receive it as your gift.

You have put a joy in my heart

greater than all the world's riches.

I lie down trusting the darkness,

for I know that even now you are here.

Thank you, Jesus, for your example of praying and seeking the Father in the midst of your grief in the Garden of Gethsemane. 

Thank you for how Pam and Sister J. continue to seek You and to give thanks in this very hard season. Please join me in prayer for them and Jeri, and for all who are grieving.

5/23/12 Update: I spoke to Pam and her sister is in hospice. She told me that even though her sister's brain is essentially gone, her sister can still be calmed down by talking about Jesus and singing childhood songs. Pam said she's glad that she walked with Jesus before this and she knows that He is walking with her and their family through this painful season.

*Not their real names

I am linking with God-graced sisters' blogs today: talented L.L. Barkat, sweet Laura Boggess of Playdates with God, and wise Ann VosKamp at her blog:"A Holy Experience."

Be encouraged and visit each of their beautiful blogs! 

Image courtesy of: Flickr user gnuckx

© Soul Stops/Dolly Lee 2012.   Limited License: Okay for noncommercial use if you attribute this post to me and link to my permalink and blog.