Sitting in the Ashes

Heart break and loss.

This was not what was meant for us.  We are in this sad and fallen world.

We fight to do what is right.  We speak truth.  We love, in our imperfect way.

May you find comfort in the fact that this is not the end.  While injustice, racism, prejudice, and violence should always be stood up against; they are also reminders that this is not our home.  That ache we feel in hearing about these things, is our reminder that this is not the world for which we were made.

Until then, we can sit in the ashes.  We can mourn together.  We can offer comfort.  We can try to be better than Job’s friends, as we sit with our friends in the ashes, listening.

26 Put on sackcloth, my people,
    and roll in ashes;
mourn with bitter wailing
    as for an only son,
for suddenly the destroyer
    will come upon us. -Jer 6:26

Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
    for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
    for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. -Matt 5:3-10