In the Midst of Grief: Bear one another's burdens

"Bear One Another's Burdens."

Galatians 6:2

There is a deep sadness in our community this week. 

Our dear friend, David Rexroat, died unexpectedly at the age of 57.  

David left behind a rich legacy of precious friendships and a beautiful family.  I have no doubt that God gave him the title of "Bringer of JOY" when he created him.  David brought a smile and a laugh with him everywhere~ infusing great JOY into this hurting world.

The little "Love Thy Neighbor" pin in the picture above sits on my desk as a reminder that the most important thing next to loving God is to love others well.

When I saw it today, it spoke to me and said, "Love well now; life is short."  

The seemingly "urgent" distractions in life are easily tossed aside as we try to be present for this precious family as they grieve.  We show up with our awkward  deli trays, bundt cakes and jello salads, embarrassed by these shallow offerings in contrast to the depth of their grief.

Words are impossible to find, because there are no words in the English language profound enough or deep enough to bring comfort.  

It wasn't until Mr. Wonderful and I experienced the loss of his dad that we sat on the side of the grieving.  Putting one foot in front of the other, we simply marched head first into the details of the funeral as a way to distract ourselves from the pain.  All the while, our hands extended to receive macaroni and cheese casseroles and the tender compassionate hugs from those who came to the funeral.  And some how, some way, those little gestures gave us the fuel we needed to take the next step... 

and the next breath.

Max Lucado sums it up this way:

"If you love someone, you show up."

Even if you stumble on your words, stand around uncertain about how to help

 or busy yourself cleaning the kitchen...

The power is in your presence.

“Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted.”

Matthew 5: 4


Services for David are Saturday, September 3rd at 11:00 am 
Valley Ranch Baptist Church, Coppell.
You can greet the family tonight at Rest Land in Coppell from 6-8.
{Just an idea:  Mark your calendar to reach out to David's family at some point in the future.  
Because the depth of grieving doesn't stop when the services are over.  It's when the house is quiet, and the phone is silent that grief screams the loudest. And if you mark your calendar for the anniversary of David's death, a phone call around this time next year would be sweet.}

You may find other practical information regarding helping your grieving friends HERE 

Note at the bottom of the list some things "not to say," which I found to be very helpful.
Grief Works is a local organization that helps families heal from loss.  Find them HERE.