Three weeks ago, Nascar driver Tony Stewart was living his dream, driving and racing on whatever surface he could find. While competing on a dirt track race at Canandaigua Motorsports Park, Stewart spun out Kevin Ward going into a corner. One lap later, Kevin got out of his vehicle, stepped toward on coming traffic and was struck by Tony’s back tire. Flying several feet in the air backwards, Kevin laid motionless as a hushed crowd waited, not sure if what they saw was real. This is the silence of death.
One of the biggest mistakes individuals make at a funeral is to try to relate with someone who has just lost a loved one. Although your words may be eloquent and motivated by compassion, the silence of death is different for each person. Some never recover, like a widow who dies shortly after their spouse passes away. Others go through months or years of depression before the sun shines upon their bruised and broken soul. Regardless of where you fit into this spectrum, the silence of death takes its course, using time, reflection and seeking God to ease the pain.
An unnamed author provides insight to the process of healing. According to Psalm 93:16-17, divine intervention is sent from heaven to those struggling to carry on with life. Whether through angels, friends or the power of the Holy Spirit, God reaches down to give footing for those slipping away, Psalm 94:18. Though anger is a natural emotion connection with death, consolation comes once you let go of “what if, why me and how could you?” As the silence of death lingers for those still not able to cope with this harsh reality, may joy rain from heaven to touch and encourage your soul, Psalm 94:19.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 