It Tolls for Thee

The news came as a complete shock. On Monday night, a childhood friend of mine lost her teenage son. As a parent, I couldn't imagine the grief and pain that she was going through. The troubling details unfolded later in the day: shortly after midnight yesterday morning, a 16 year old boy jumped in front of a train. A note found in his car left little doubt that Danny ended his own life. How does a parent handle that tragic reality?

I felt compelled to reach out to her and to her family, but what could I say ? I'm so sorry for your loss and I'll keep all of you in my prayers, seemed woefully inadequate. I knew that the Bible would offer comforting words, but I was too angry and too numb to look them up. How could this happen?! How could a person with so much to look forward to take his own life? How could this be part of God's plan?!!!

A group of us from school exchanged e-mails throughout the day and evening, offering our support and words of comfort. It became clear that beyond the devastating impact on his parents and sisters - this teen's death had impacted each of us, too. I was struck by each person's caring supportive sentiments and sensed their feeling of personal loss, but mostly I felt the brokeness that we all felt in trying to comprehend and ease our friend's pain.

This week I selected "Every Man" by Casting Crowns from their 2007 CD The Altar and The Door. It reminded me that we are connected, as a community, the body of Christ - we're every man. All around us, everyday regular people - just like us - struggle to make sense of their pain or fear or troubles. Its our responsibility to offer them comfort and hope and peace.

Their questions will linger, their pain will not simply go away and their hope will battle with darkness. Its up to us, with God's help, to carry our friend through the tough days and weeks ahead. In time, as the community, we can help her understand that there is peace and undying love. That Jesus is hope for every man - shown by us, his Body in the world. God Bless and watch over Chrissy and Dan, Lauren, Erin..... and especially Danny.