lizgmarshall

The flags flying at half mast are a painful reminder of the shocking tragedies that rocked Aurora, Colorado just a few days ago. As of today twelve families are grieving the untimely deaths of their loved ones, while others battle life threatening injuries from the movie theater massacre.

This morning I had the rare opportunity to travel to Colorado with hopes of delivering journals for families who had lost a loved one. With absolutely no connections in Aurora, I decided to call a few trusted friends to join me praying for ‘divine appointments’ during the the trip.

Driving into Aurora I noticed the Century Theater and what has become the memorial site, literally across the busy street from the Aurora Police Station. That seemed like the place I needed to go. I told the kind officer working the front desk I had come from South Carolina with some grief journals to donate. She knew the person I need to meet was Kyla. A few minutes later Kyla came out and greeted me with an incredibly warm smile. I knew almost immediately that the visit had been orchestrated by divine appointment. She led me to a quiet area of the lobby where she began to tell me the story of her past 96 hours. Kyla is a bi-lingual Victim’s Advocate, assisting English and Spanish speaking crime victims. Since the terrifying early wake up call July 20th, Kyla’s days have been spent in hospital rooms with shooting victims, and with families whose loved ones didn’t survive the rampage. I was amazed by her strength and sense of calm in the wake of such heartbreak; and thankful to know she serves on the front lines.

As I prepared to leave, she asked if I would please remember the first responders. I assured her I would. I asked if we might pray together and we did. We asked the Lord to please continue to heal each victim and to fill them with His strength. We prayed that He would bring joy back to the broken Aurora community, by His mighty power. I believe the healing has already begun.

I want to ask anyone reading this to please stop and pray for the first responders, EMS personnel, fire fighters, law enforcement, hospital staff, victim’s advocates and their families. Our loving God hears those prayers.

Don’t Waste the Pain      excerpt from A Time to Heal, a grief journal

“I thank God today for my dear friend and sister in Christ, Patti. Three years ago, Patti’s beautiful twenty six year old daughter, Anne was the victim of an unthinkably violent crime that took her life.  Anne was Patti’s only child. For most of us it would seem that we might never be able to move forward after such a devastating tragedy. Is Patti’s world since Anne’s death forever changed? Absolutely.  Patti’s heart has been shattered in a way she could never have imagined.  What I have seen, though in the past three years is a life that is fully dependent upon the Lord every day for His grace and strength.  Patti’s story is far from over…“

 Reaching Out in Love, three years later 

The local news story was something no one was prepared to hear. This time it was the untimely death of Amanda, an ambitious twenty-four year old whose life had been tragically cut short, killed by a violent ex-boyfriend. As Patti heard the all-too-familiar scenario, she could imagine the family’s intense shock, disbelief and pain. Her initial instinct was to find a way to reach out in love to Amanda’s family. Patti was an invited guest to a gathering of Amanda’s close friends and family, coming together to seek comfort. After a time of reflection and sharing stories of Amanda’s life, Patti was introduced. Without going into painful details, the pastor gently communicated the parallel stories of Amanda and Patti’s daughter, Anne. The room was very quiet as Patti began to speak. Through Patti’s strength and her loving words, Amanda’s friends and family were reminded that there is still hope; and that they, too could survive this kind of unimaginable heartbreak. As three long years have passed, Patti has found new purpose through telling Anne’s story, and sharing the reason for her hope.

How about you? Maybe your story is just what someone needs to hear as their journey of healing begins.   2 Corinthians 1:3-5

Our friend Clayton lost his hero a few weeks ago. Even though Clayton knew it was coming soon, he describes the death of his dad as much more than loss. In his words, it feels more like an amputation. “Grief is a thief… but also a gift”

  http://claytonking.com/blog/    

On cold winter days your temptation may be to get cozy and keep to yourself. In a season of grief time alone to process things is essential. So is spending time with people- real people, not just Facebook and social network friends. If you have a close friend or two, you are blessed! Today might be a good day to meet with them for coffee or maybe a meal. If you don’t have family or a close friend nearby, you may want to consider connecting with a group in your area. A local hospice organization, pastor or a counselor can often direct you to some great support. Spending time with people who know your story can prevent isolation, and also help the healing to begin. You are not alone.