My eyes are full of tears as I type this.
An eight year old boy, grieving for his mother and grandfather, hanged himself today in Lancashire. You can read about it here.
I am feeling such sorrow just now as I think of what must have gone through that little boy's mind as he prepared to hang himself. Oh God, how much longer must we see and hear of such tragedy on this earth? We long for your kingdom to come in power, for pain and despair to pass away. How far it is from your heart that little ones should bear so much pain.
Another life full of potential lost. Another child suffering the anguish of mental torment on the inside gone from this earth forever. All I could initially pray was thanks to God that Joshua was in his presence. I know that's where he is; where he can run and play again. I believe heaven is a reality!! In an instant, all was changed for Joshua. But not so for those left behind. Comfort them tonight Lord.
Pray for his dad, who has lost his wife to cancer and his son in three months.
I resolve again Lord, to watch for every child who seems to bear sorrow silently. To petition you concerning them, even when I don't know what to say. To stop for a moment in case they want to talk. To ask you for opportunities to be a listener to those who hide pain. Because it seems to me that as we do more "stuff", get busier, aim to beat deadlines, multi-task amazingly, co-ordinate work/family/social lives skilfully, we can easily miss the opportunity to love the one in front of us. "och, they'll be OK", I think. I know, I've done it so many times! Then the check in my spirit comes, take some time with this person, Lynn, I need to heed that prompting when it comes.
Lord, comfort those who mourn tonight.
Amen
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