A Story of a Family Tragedy and A Glimmer of Hope

The Words exchanged in anger destroyed the family. That is what I have gathered after listening to the story. Mind you I only caught small pieces as they lay about – scattered for the whole world to see. The damage is something like a car bomb in a busy market over seas.

It happened a long time ago from what I can understand. Christmas would never be the same again for the whole family. The kids haven’t spoken to each other for many years. The arguments had lots to do with money and the abuse of substances. The self-righteous of the group wanted the money for themselves and the angry hated them for it – then abused. Death happened right in the middle of the worst nightmares of anger and now – almost everyone hates each other.

Now fast forward the family into a new light.

Yesterday I was part of a step of healing. I was included in a long awaited visit that was never expected to happen. Two men and I walked into a senior gentleman’s room and were warmly welcomed. There was openness and love demonstrated in every way.

It had been over 20 years since the last personal meeting. In the previous meetings ugly scenes were all that was remembered. Harsh and horrible words were thrown out the way that mortar shells are delivered to markets in war torn countries. In the ensuing years that followed some of the worst nightmares that anyone can imagine took place for everyone.

Yesterday it was different. There was a sense of peace in the room like I have seldom experienced. There was respect and care shared with each other. It was a miracle of God. There was goodwill toward each other.

Just before we left the room I asked if I could pray. It was a short and simple prayer. All were in agreement with a hearty “amen” at the end of the prayer. God was there.

I was going to ask the question at the beginning of this short article, “Where does Hope come from?” The question still hovers in my mind though. A place of Hope and all its resources are stored somewhere by God I am sure. It must be stocked piled and then delivered when most needed. It is offered to broken hearts and crushed spirits. It is ministered to the worst enemies and the closest families.

My second question that lingers is – “Why does it take so long to deliver?” In the case that I witnessed yesterday it was well over 20 years in the process. It certainly should have happened with so many people praying so much for the families involved. But it didn’t take place until yesterday. ‘Why’ is lingering in my thoughts.

A rising sense in my heart as I approach today and the next few todays… there is Hope. These days are to be filled with God’s wonderful presence and delivered by His mighty Angels.

Another Happy Story…
Today we will leave our city to join a group of people that will meet to bless a couple as they take a huge step together. Lois and Manne are getting married on Saturday evening.

Lois has been a widow for 40 years. Manne has faced death twice as he said good bye to his first wife and then his second. Both have faced times when Hope was torn from them and shattered. But remarkably they have remained true to their God and their families. As I have come to know both stories personally I am overwhelmed with the evidence of God’s hand upon their lives.

This is a love story filled with Hope. They have entered it with their eyes wide open and hearts tuned in on Hope.

It is not the perfect story by any stretch of the imagination. Both are aware of what they face together. It is a life of Hope and new happiness that will carry them toward the end.

I bless them as they take this step of faith and faithfulness.

A BIG Pause…
Do you need Hope the way that I need Hope today? Has your Hope been dashed and trashed by life circumstances that would crush an elephant?

I have met some in the last few days that have faced this with a reality that has rocked them and everything that they have.

God is our source of Hope. God knows where it is stored and how long it takes to deliver it – and specifically who needs it.

After witnessing real life in the past few days… I know Hope is needed.

God can and will… administer Hope.

Psalm 25:2-4 (New International Version)
2 in you I trust, O my God. Do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me.
3 No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame, but they will be put to shame who are treacherous without excuse.
4 Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths;

~ Pastor Murray ~