Seeking Comfort in Hard Times

In the midst of a worldwide pandemic and widespread unrest, my family and friends have suffered a loss that strikes much closer to home. We lost a good friend.

Over 22 years ago now, when my oldest was a newborn, I made a group of friends through an Early Childhood Education class. We were all first-time mothers and have been friends ever since. We have shared innumerable play dates and outings to museums, zoos, parades, etc. We have co-hosted baby showers, birthday parties, Christmas and Valentine’s Day parties and along the way become honorary aunts and uncles to each other’s children. We have gone on many camping trips together and oh, the stories we tell and the memories we share from those early days of learning to be moms and dads.

My husband and Jesse on our first camping trip.

As our children grew older and got busy with their own pursuits, we moms continued to get together for coffee and commiserating over school year challenges, teenage struggles, driver’s tests and first dates, to college applications.

A few weeks ago, one of these dear friends and her son were diagnosed with Covid-19. Soon her daughter and husband were feeling ill too. The son and daughter quickly recovered. My friend suffered terribly for a few weeks at home before recovering as well. Her sweet husband, however, found it increasingly difficult to breathe and was eventually hospitalized and put on a ventilator. We all prayed so hard. Were so sure he would recover. Sent encouraging texts and left food and flowers on their doorstep, and kept praying.

But he did not recover.

He died late last week and his funeral is tomorrow. At times like these, it’s hard to understand God’s will.

Our friends in Italy last year.

My friend is naturally devastated. And her kids—one who graduated online from high school and the other from college while their Dad was in ICU—are no doubt struggling as well. They are young adults, yes, but still need their Dad.

They were able to see him before he passed. That must have been some comfort when so many have had to die alone during this pandemic. But still… So. Hard.

I realize my loss is minimal compared to theirs and to so many others who are suffering in our world right now. I don’t have any great insights to offer. But it’s my turn to blog and I don’t feel up to promoting a book or talking about favorite authors or future travels. I keep reminding myself that, “this world is not our home; we’re just passing through,” but my heart still hurts.

I have no words of wisdom to offer. Instead, I’m seeking comfort the only way I know how. From God’s word. In case anyone else reading this is struggling with similar sadness today, here are a few verses I find comforting. I hope you to, too.

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. —James 1:5

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever! —Psalm 111:10

“Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” —Luke 22:42

For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death. —Psalm 48:14

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. —Proverbs 3:5&6

 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. —Isaiah 40:28

And he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” — Job 1:21

 For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth. —Job 19:25

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. —Isaiah 41:10

No eye has seen no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him. —1 Corinthians 2:9b

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. —2 Corinthians 1: 4-7

Any you would add? Either way, thank you for being here today.