Honest Thoughts from a Pastor

Every holiday, I have always tried to be more sensitive to those around me. Why would I do such a thing? In a time when self-love is strongly promoted (interpreted as love and think of no one other than yourself), why should I be sensitive to others? Let’s face it! Holidays are tough, especially when there is someone missing at your table who was there last year or someone who has been missing for a few years and you still miss them. Mother’s Day is no different. This weekend can be also be painful for those struggling with infertility, those who are estranged from their families, or those who lost their children first. Whatever the reason may be, there are many around the world who are brokenhearted today.

I am truly feeling it this year. My mother went to be with the Lord on January 13 at the age of 65. I have found myself thinking of her much more this weekend than I have since her passing. I have wanted to pick up the phone a million times to text or call her. Sometimes, I want to take the car and drive to her apartment for a visit. Some may want to chime in right now and tell me things like “She is in a better place” or “She is not suffering anymore” (things that are very much true), but those of us who grieve would rather have empathy than platitudes. Whether we or days or years removed from a loss or a difficulty, many of us today still find ourselves brokenhearted.

Scripture has something beautiful to say about the brokenhearted. Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.” Psalm 147:3 says, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Two beautiful truths here! To the brokenhearted reader, God is near to you! He is close! He is not far away, looking down and sending you “thoughts and prayers” or “good vibes.” He is near! Furthermore, He heals your broken heart and binds up your wounds. This means He takes action. Not only does He sit with you in your sorrow, but He heals you. I don’t know about you, but I’m comforted by this.

I know this blog post won’t magically make everything better. The reality is it takes more time than we want to experience the healing for which we deeply long. If you’re like me, you need reminders. I pray this reminder will be of help to you.

Please know that my heart goes out to you today. As an old song says, “Life is hard, but God is good!” Another song refers to the Lord as a “Friend of a Wounded Heart.” This song has brought me much comfort. I will share it with you today and pray it does the same for you.