i had a thought.....

could it be something so simple? could it be something that we have studied and read and know in our hearts but missed?

our questions demand answers. questions for which there are no answers. why? a loving God would allow THIS? why suffering? isn't there an easier way? it hurts. i don't get it. it happens over and over. tragedy. despair. emptiness.

and then i had a thought:

is it the love of a husband restraining his hysterical wife as she is told there is no heartbeat?
is it the love of a mother-in-law who grieves with her daughter-in-law the passing of a son and husband?
is it the love of a father for his son who was in the driver's seat of the car that struck down his innocent little sister?
is it the love of a young woman who falls to her feet in a dark, dirty garage in prayer for her friend whose baby is born still?
is it the love of a stranger who sends a special bracelet or a basket of flowers to a grieving mother?
is it the love of a co-worker who simply offers a gentle touch as she passes by?
is it the love of a friend of a friend who offers financial support for funeral expenses?
is it the love of a brother who climbs to the top of a mountain with his grieving friend and prays?

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, EVEN AS I HAVE LOVED YOU, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another," John 13:34-35

who hasn't experienced the acute pain of grief and at the same time felt the overwhelming love of friends, family and strangers. the outpouring of love expressed in comments sections of personal stories is amazing. could it be so simple?

yes, we are disciplined and tested through our trials. the strength of our faith during these times is certainly a witness for others. our hope in redemption is encouraging to those who might falter. but the depth of the LOVE that is connecting all stories and strangers and even "blog-stalkers" is unfathomable. it is amazing. and if we are to be like Him, if He has loved us so overwhelmingly and if the greatest command is to love others..........

could it be something so simple?

"...but now faith, hope, love, abide these three, but the greatest of these is LOVE."
1 Corinthians 13:13