He Will See Us Through

I watched as my friend's sister buried her first-born child today. I hurt for her, I cried for her and I begged God for strength for her. As I listened to the words of the three pastors that spoke at Ricky's funeral, I reflected on the events that I had experienced since Sunday. I went back to the pain and sorrow in Terrie's voice on Sunday morning as I spoke to her minutes after hearing the news, I reflected on the shock and anger that she voiced and that echoed in Chris' words when he told me. I remember the rushed and frantic conversation we had as she hurried out the door to reach her sister Sunday afternoon when they returned home from the Lake and the painful silence that filled Terrie's house Monday afternoon. The red, swollen eyes that replaced her bright brown ones and the hurt and quiet spirit of her mother. I thought in amazement of the thousands, literally, thousands of family and friends who lined the parking lot, sidewalks and walls of Williamson Memorial on Tuesday to love on Ricky's family and say their good-byes and the hundreds more who did not even have a seat to sit in during the service today. The agony that wept from Melissa's soul was inconsolable and Ricky's despair was crippling. Matt stood so strong for his parents, supporting both of them through is own sorrow and disbelief. Then there was Precious Anna Grace who questioned “where did my Daddy go” after they closed the casket. Ricky was loved; he was deeply loved by his family, his friends, his co-workers and his community.

This is the second funeral I have attended this year for officers that have taken their own lives, both whose actions created a wake of anguish and bedlam for those who knew and loved them. I find myself searching for the answer to why and how they could reach the point that they do not realize their importance, their impact and their significance in the lives of others…others who love them, others who depend on them, others who so desperately need them and will never be able to regain their sense of completeness without them. I cannot help but think that this can only be the work of Satan himself. Only the Evil One could work his way into the mind and heart of our loved ones and friends to leave them with such feelings of futility.

My thoughts are scattered and I cannot seem to finish this as I don’t have any answers. The Bible tells us that “all things work together for the good…” (Romans 8:28) and who are we to argue with His word? We may not understand, but we aren’t supposed to always understand, we are to love and serve our Lord and each other. He will see us through.