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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: FAITHFULNESS (10/07/21)
“It is a tribute to him that all of you are here even with a chance a rain.” The woman giving Greg’s eulogy scanned the area, the people, and smiled warmly. “Greg was sixty-three years old when he died of cancer. As many would say and agree, he was much too young when so much of life was left ahead. He was a proud Marine, brother, father, grandfather, best friend.” Standing near his gravesite, I looked out over the crowd who had gathered. We were family, friends, co-workers and companions in the journey we call life. The October sky was gray, and rain was predicted for much of the day, “heavy at times,” the forecaster had warned.

The uniformed members who were there proudly folded and presented the American flag to his eldest granddaughter, as a bugler played Taps; a final gratitude for one who had served his country. For me this day was not only about saying goodbye to Greg but was also a reminder of my recent loss. Heartache and break can be unbearable at times. I was a mess this day. Although I had showered, washed, dried and styled my hair and put on a neatly pressed blouse and light sweater, I felt very uneasy on the inside. I was hijacked by the emotional dog of grief and memory yet again. I was quiet through much of the day, something I typically do when I am feeling short on energy and perspective. I cried when I returned home and on into the evening. I did not have the energy to put groceries away, make dinner or conversation. Weary, I went to bed early and cried out to God to just lift the pain a little; just a little, so that I could breathe. The morning came and I felt better, and as I reflected on the day before, here is what I came up with.

There is always going to be a chance of rain in our lives. It may sprinkle, it may pour, it may be heavy at times, but rain will come. Rain is of course, the sadness, disappointment, anger, weariness, frustration, all that can take us away from living joyfully and contented, from living a life of faithfulness. Rain can cloud our health, our memories, our routines. Rain can seep into cracks and mental eavestrough that is already full of other stuff like, well, just daily living. Rain can erode.

Rain can also cleanse and rebalance. It can restore life and make all things refreshed. I love to watch a flower that has wilted in the summer sun, slowly spring upward again after being watered or refreshed by the rain. Faithfulness is realizing that there is a chance of rain in all things, it is knowing that sometimes we will feel weary, wilted, sad, uneven and messy. Faithfulness is the quiet reassurance in knowing that Jesus is in control of all things and that we can surrender to the rain, knowing that we will grow and bounce back with God’s tender care and mercies. Faithfulness is being able to command the emotional dog of grief, memory, addiction, loss, heartbreak, disappointment, whatever it may be and say to it “lay down or go away” or perhaps more empathetically saying, “it is just the rain, and it will pass”.

I miss my mother terribly. I miss Greg and others who have gone away, whose faces I no longer see and whose voices I no longer hear. I know that just as life is created, there is also a time for death and all things under the sun. I am grateful that despite a chance of rain, those present at Greg’s memorial service were faithful and showed up to share our love of someone dear to us. Every day, a piece of me rises to meet the sun, and even with wet eyes, I can see God’s hand at work. I vow to remain faithful in plenty and in want, in joy and in sorrow and even if standing soaking wet in the rain. I am certain that faithfulness moves through the valleys and peaks and that it does not rest, if we but stay close and let the hand of our loving Father lead in all weathers of life for "under His wings, we will find refuge" (Psalm 9:1 NIV).
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
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This article has been read 349 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Micki Bowers
10/14/21
Your piece is lovely. It made me want to reach out and hug you. I could relate to your grief, and I appreciated how you painted pictures with your words.

Before submitting it, be sure to preview and re-read your piece several times to catch little grammatical nuances or missed spaces.

Your beautiful writing deserves that fine-tuning to present it as the gift it is to the readers.
Loni Bowden-Horn 
10/15/21
The opening me drew me into the story. I was to reach out and give you a hug because I know how difficult it is to lose someone. My mom just passed away a few weeks ago

Your piece helped me in a lot of ways -- there is always a rainbow to remind us the storms in our lives are short compared to eternity where we will be reunited with our loved ones in Heaven.

God sends us the rain to remind us that we are washed by His blood and He loves us.

This piece brought tears to my eyes and comfort knowing that God is faithful in spite of our circumstances.
Robert Rutaagi 
10/17/21

I truly empathize with you, But be of cheer, Jesus is with you and us all.
During COVI-19 pandemic, I lost a sister, two brothers and two brothers-in law. Death is a finality that hearts every one. The good news is that for believers death is a glorious arrival at the gate of eternal life under kingship of King Jesus. How awesome!