Editor’s Note: This has been a week of great loss and grieving in the Northeast Georgia community. Connected by geography but more so in spirit, we feel the hurt of those who have recently lost loved ones. Many of you may recall several weeks ago reading Lynn’s powerful tribute to her beloved friend, Karen. This column is a follow-up to that. It expresses, as only Lynn can, the hope that can be found when we are hurting.
“We love because He loved us first.” 1 John 4: 19
My friend and I sat near the front of the church, packed with mourners. The tears turned to audible sobs as the friends and family spoke about their beloved mother, wife, sister, and companion. It took a powerful will to keep my hurt silent. My good friend, Karen, was gone way too early for any of us in the room. During the entire memorial service, I began to consider how unfair and unjust it is for this person who did so much for so many to be taken away. Grief is often accompanied by bitterness because we are simply mere mortals who do not understand God’s plans or motives.
Photographs of Karen throughout her years flashed on the large screens flanking the pulpit. Her smiling face and silly antics told the story of a life full of extreme joy, laughter, and unbridled kindness. She had a wonderful life, enjoyed every minute, and rarely complained. Karen’s blessings included a brilliant mind, a devoted family, and a strong heart. But more importantly, she loved, and the love was returned fully.
Just as I was about to become engulfed with sorrow, the minister, Dr. Dwight Reighard, returned to the pulpit and began closing the service with a few parting words. He made a statement that reminded me of what I learned through a painful time long ago.
While looking directly at Karen’s family, Dr. Reighard shared his own journey with grief. “When my wife passed away several years ago, a friend told me something I keep in my heart. He conveyed, “As much as you love your wife, there is someone who loves her more.” So, as I look at this crowd here today and witness your enormous love for this extraordinary woman, remember, someone loves her more.”
My sobs quieted, as did the room. What a wonderful reminder that God indeed loves His children more than we can fathom. We often forget who is in control, who knows best, and who is sure this place is no heaven. Heaven is a glorious, free, painless home where bubbly little Karen is now happily sparkling. Indeed, God loved her more.
The heartache and pain were incredibly difficult to endure when my daughter was ill years ago. She survived, but I shall never forget a moment of clearness during the year-long battle. One morning I plopped in my chair, feeling defeated and abandoned by the Lord. He just wasn’t answering my prayers!
“I am completely frustrated with you, God!” I said aloud and loudly. I must have woken heaven up because immediately, I understood life in a nutshell.
God loved my child more than I did. He knew what was best for her and yet, understood my pain. I needed to trust His brilliance and use my faith to get through the dark days. And I did. The anger left, the frustration gone, and I found the meaning of unselfish love.
After the service ended, my friend and I walked down a corridor and recognized the minister who delivered such powerful words. We stopped to express our gratitude and thank him for such encouragement during this grief. He shared that the pastor who reminded him of God’s powerful love was Dr. Nelson Price, Pastor Emeritus of Marietta, Georgia’s Roswell Street Baptist Church.
I immediately felt a little tap on my shoulder from a new angel I know. Dr. Price had just written me a note five days before Karen’s death. We are columnists for the same paper, and even though I have never met Dr. Price personally, he occasionally sends me an encouraging word or two. On June 7th, he wrote, “Thanks for your meaningful columns. Your spirit and your spirituality come through. Keep up the good work.”
Dr. Price had no idea how much good work he did for all in just a few days. God’s words and deeds work through every person on earth to remind us how much we are loved if we stop to notice. Our faith is to be used, spread, and sown like seeds. We flourish with God’s immense love and compassion, producing goodness even during the darkest days.
Pain, anger, grief, and sorrow are met with a powerful force if we believe and trust that God is with us and will carry us through. And it is with such faith we understand that, yes, indeed, God loves us more!
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Lynn Walker Gendusa is a Georgia-based author and columnist whose work appears regularly on NowHabersham.com and through the USA Today Network. Her first book, “It’s All Write with Me! Essays from my heart,” was published in 2018. Her latest book is “Southern Comfort: Stories of Family, Friendship, Fiery Trials, and Faith.” For more of her inspirational stories, click here. You may reach Lynn at www.lynngendusa.com.
