God2Share

The weight of grief has been heavy in our area over the past few weeks.

Two greatly respected and loved individuals left this earth too soon.

The ripple effect could be felt by people across all generations and backgrounds, as both women were deeply engaged in the community.

And even though I did not have a personal relationship with either, the sense of loss around me has been profound.

Although no words can soothe the pain, many heartfelt gestures have served as reminders that others were not alone in their grief.

The weight of grief got even heavier on Sunday.

The news of Kobe Bryant’s death stunned the world.

A greatly respected and loved individual, along with his daughter and 7 others, left this earth too soon.

The ripple effect could be felt by people across all generations and backgrounds around the country, as Kobe was deeply engaged in the global community.

And even though I did not have a personal relationship with this famous basketball player, the sense of loss around me has been profound.

Kobe Bryant was an individual who was woven into the fabric of many lives.

Although no words can soothe the pain, many heartfelt gestures from people all over the world serve as reminders that others were not alone in their grief.

Kobe was not just engaged in the community, he was with his community when his helicopter crashed.

He was with people he did life with.

There is something tragic and comforting about this fact all at the same time.

These untimely deaths leave many, myself included, with one looming question: why?

There is no explanation that will ever really satisfy those who bear the weight of unspeakable grief.

So I go to the One I do have a personal relationship with – Jesus.

And I am reminded that even in our grief, we are never alone.

I cling to the promise in His word that it will not always be this way.

One day there will be no more suffering or pain.

One day there will be no more goodbyes.

One day God Himself will be engaged with His community by walking among His people once again.

“ Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The first heaven and the first earth had passed away. There was no more sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem. It was coming down out of heaven from God. It was made ready like a bride is made ready for her husband.  I heard a loud voice coming from heaven. It said, “See! God’s home is with men. He will live with them. They will be His people. God Himself will be with them. He will be their God. God will take away all their tears. There will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All the old things have passed away.”  Then the One sitting on the throne said, “See! I am making all things new. Write, for these words are true and faithful.” Then He said to me, “These things have happened! I am the First and the Last. I am the beginning and the end. To anyone who is thirsty, I will give the water of life. It is a free gift.” Revelation 21: 1-7 NLV

One day.

Friends, may we cling to the promise of this day like an anchor in a storm when the heaviness of grief is too great to bear.

Amen.

Born in Pennsylvania, I was raised a Phillies fan.

I had a bat signed by Bake McBride and a Phillie Phanatic puppet growing up.

I remember watching the team win the 1980 World Series on our console tv.

My all time favorite player, Mike Schmidt, was MVP.

Sorry, I get a little nostalgic some days.

But today was focused on a player dressed not in red, but in blue.

Yankee great Derek Jeter was elected into the prestigious Hall of Fame.

Even this Phillies girl has an appreciation for Yankees history.

Completely humble, Jeter talked about getting to this moment.

A class act, as my father would say.

He did not boast of his works.

Jeter noted he focused on being prepared each day.

He stated he was grateful to have had the opportunity to play for the same team throughout his entire career.

Not everyone who plays the game will be elected to the Hall of Fame, even if they work hard.

But as God’s children, we are all given the opportunity to be a part of the same team and be welcomed into His kingdom someday.

And it has nothing to do with our works or achievements.

It has all to do with His grace and unending love for us.

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. “

 Ephesians 2: 8-9 NIV

God does not care what position we play in life.

We all have equal value in His eyes.

But we must prepare for each day by spending time in His word and in His presence.

We must not boast of our works, but always point to His grace and love.

Friends, remember today that we are all on the same team.

And even though none of us are worthy, we are all MVPs in the eyes of the Creator.