By: Dr. Jacquelyn Simmons
Scripture: Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounded by Christ and whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation, and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. (2 Corinthians 1:3-6 KJV)
Dear Pastor Stewart,
After learning of the loss of your dear friend a few weeks ago, it pained my heart, your family, church family, friends and others, also. It is difficult for one of us to be almost overtaken with grief and not find ourselves reflecting on our losses, also. It is quite painful for some of us to watch you as you gallantly continue trying to serve as our pastor while holding back tears and trying not to publicly show your intense grief. Very few of us can truthfully say that we have not sat in the same mourners’ pews as you and your family, also. In fact, a few months ago, you and your wife, Mrs. Stewart, sat in the mourners’ pews as she and her family members tried to bravely accept the devastating death of her sister.
In a few days, my family will be reflecting more than ever on the loss of our only brother, “Ronnie.” Due to illness, I was unable to attend his funeral. Even though, it was programmed for me to sing a duet with our sister, “Dena”, another capable family member sang in my place, instead. It took several months for some of us to cry over our loss, but, I guess we were bravely trying to get over our shock because it was somewhat sudden. It was the first loss in our family in several years and he was the baby among three girls, also. We have tried to endure several firsts without him since his demise: Thanksgiving Day (our family reunion), Christmas, New Year’s, several family members’ birthdays, etc. We had formed the habit of connecting by phone at noon on Mondays to have family prayers, share family testimonies and family news, also. What a painful “gap” in our lives, now.
Pastor, in our text for this message, the Apostle Paul is trying to comfort those of us who are bereaved by saying, many times, God uses our griefs and troubles in order to enable us to comfort others who are sitting in mourners’ seats as we have done. Some of us have endured other types of deaths in our lives which are as devastating to us as the actual death of a loved one. We have suffered the “bitter pangs” of divorce. The person who probably suffers most is the deserted spouse, especially if there are children involved. There are almost excruciating pains felt if the mate who chose the divorce remains in the same area with another mate and eventually sires children. It takes a lot of prayers and support from family and friends to overcome the resulting grief. The rejected spouse may sit in the mourners’ seat, also and grieve over and over while saying, “Where did I go wrong?”
Now Pastor, here is another seat of pain. It is called rejection by one you considered to be your best friend and you spend years trying to find out why, but to no avail, especially if the person continues to dwell within your living radius. This grief-stricken member has had to endure all of the aforementioned pains of life. Maybe, that is why it is possible for me to empathize with you and others who endure similar pains, also.
Pastor, please continue to remain strong in your faith and always remember, we are praying for “you and yours”! We are a praying family, as you know! “We Love You!!!”
Yours in Christ,
Love, Jacquelyn Simmons
