"A whole life was never meant to be a painless one." My Mother died in a fire in '82 when I was out West. Sometime in 2015 or so some one asked me if I could have one wish for anything and most of the group wanted money, cars. or a big house. When I was asked I said "Five minutes with my Mom so I could tell her I loved her and be able to say goodbye." At 74 I realize after a long life that life is to be endured.
I wish that the people I knew when I lost my husband could have read this. I can’t help but to think when you use the term “gospel,” though, that you may be criticizing American churches, and you would be right! There is a sickening positivity that has taken over so many churches, but I have to say that it’s not the true gospel—that Jesus suffered a fate worse than the tunnels and the concentration camps because He loves us so much, even more than this loving mother loved her precious son. This is what holds me together as this world spirals down into bleak hatefulness. Shalom to all here! God loves you so much, and I appreciate this Substack.
Edit:I have to add that this was so beautifully written. I cried all the way through as I read it. God is healing my heart, and He is using this among other things to do this work in me.
I cannot recommend her book enough. Grief does not go away one week, one month nor one year after a loved ones's passing, but neither does the love. She is far more than the story of her son, despite her conveying in her book that she and her husband were normal and boring prior to Oct 7. I've so enjoyed her insights into various holidays when she joins Dan Senor on his "Call Me Back" podcast. She doesn't know just how bright her light shines!
Thanks for this perspective. But i must ask this : are our enemies ( including their supporters) who did what they did holy people? Or is it more complicated than that? I cannot help but ask this question in light of what we have witnessed PRIMARILY AFTER OCTOBER 7? I am.fully aware that what i ask is beyond the question of optimism in the face and presence of evil .So many more emotions abd feelings but I will leave it there as much of the world as seems to care little about any of this ( and cannot admit or acknowledge obvious evil in their midst)
"A whole life was never meant to be a painless one." My Mother died in a fire in '82 when I was out West. Sometime in 2015 or so some one asked me if I could have one wish for anything and most of the group wanted money, cars. or a big house. When I was asked I said "Five minutes with my Mom so I could tell her I loved her and be able to say goodbye." At 74 I realize after a long life that life is to be endured.
Thank you for sharing! I will pass it on to touch someone else as it has touched me. 🕊️
I wish that the people I knew when I lost my husband could have read this. I can’t help but to think when you use the term “gospel,” though, that you may be criticizing American churches, and you would be right! There is a sickening positivity that has taken over so many churches, but I have to say that it’s not the true gospel—that Jesus suffered a fate worse than the tunnels and the concentration camps because He loves us so much, even more than this loving mother loved her precious son. This is what holds me together as this world spirals down into bleak hatefulness. Shalom to all here! God loves you so much, and I appreciate this Substack.
Edit:I have to add that this was so beautifully written. I cried all the way through as I read it. God is healing my heart, and He is using this among other things to do this work in me.
I feel every word of this! Every single word and wish I had written it because I feel it deeply.
What a beautiful, soulful article. I can only write thank you for sharing and for describing loss and grief in an exquisite manner.
I cannot recommend her book enough. Grief does not go away one week, one month nor one year after a loved ones's passing, but neither does the love. She is far more than the story of her son, despite her conveying in her book that she and her husband were normal and boring prior to Oct 7. I've so enjoyed her insights into various holidays when she joins Dan Senor on his "Call Me Back" podcast. She doesn't know just how bright her light shines!
Thanks for this perspective. But i must ask this : are our enemies ( including their supporters) who did what they did holy people? Or is it more complicated than that? I cannot help but ask this question in light of what we have witnessed PRIMARILY AFTER OCTOBER 7? I am.fully aware that what i ask is beyond the question of optimism in the face and presence of evil .So many more emotions abd feelings but I will leave it there as much of the world as seems to care little about any of this ( and cannot admit or acknowledge obvious evil in their midst)