Losing a loved one is one of the hardest things to deal with in life.  As we minister to others on our campus, we may be struck with grieving a loved one.  It is difficult serving others when you are dealing with your own pain.

I remember when my grandfather passed away.  It was right before school started.  Not only did I go through the grieving process, but I also had to make the funeral plans.  I felt the pain so deep within.  Even stronger, I felt the Holy Spirit comforting me.  Telling me: Weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning.  Put on the garment of praise for a spirit of heaviness.  The joy of the Lord is your strength.  It was as if the Word was a quilt of warm love that wrapped around me during the cold, loneliness of grief.

Let us remember all educators in our prayers that are experiencing moments of grief.  Let us also pray for the family members that are grieving the loss of loved ones due to Hurricane Katrina.

I am reminded of Hardy Jackson’s moment of grief.

He said, “Can’t find her body.  She gone.  I’m lost.  That’s all I had.  That’s all I had.”

There is comfort in knowing that our loved ones that were saved are resting in the presence of the Lord.

-         Doris Tatum