A Mother's Love For Her Son

Last night I was honored to serve at the viewing for the 4 MC boys. As I stood there while men, women, teenage girls, teenage boys, football players, coaches, teachers, young kids, and older grandparents weeped, I was so humbled. Jason knows 2 of the parents.  But as a bystander and greeter, I had the opportunity to serve.

After the thousands of loved ones came through, I couldn't help but be amazed by the strength of the parents in the room that I was in. Even though I tried my best to not look at them (insert instant tears here), I couldn't help but to be drawn to their pure hearts for these supporters. In their incredible grief, I saw the light of Jesus. I saw His peace and grace flow through them. Their smiles, their embraces, their tears, their kind words to others was amazing. In an instant last Sunday, their son was gone. No longer in his temporary home on earth. As a believer in Jesus Christ, we have hope. Hope of bigger and better. Hope of new life for eternity. I saw that hope shine on those grieving parents as they kissed their son goodbye. I saw that hope as they embraced their younger boys.

I have a son who is 8 (pictured left). I held him tight last night, fearing of an uncertain future for him. Fortunately he is young enough to bring me a box of tissues and wipe my tears.  However, I know that someday--very soon--he will think I am weird, uncool, and all those other things that teenagers think (I'm pretty sure that communicates their love for us in a different strange way).

But today, I have that same hope. That is what we must hold on to. Through pain, tears, anger, and uncertainty we must hold on to that hope. God will is using these parents to reach this community of uncertain supporters. Those who do not know God's grace. Those who question why. Those who believe one thing but aren't really sure that is true. Those who will see the parents love for Christ and desire that same peace that he infuses in them.

Thank you for being my hero. Thank you for being my savior. Thank you for your hope. Thank you for that glimpse of extreme pain and sorrow but with a window of amazing grace that was so vibrantly shining in that room last night.

J