Status Updates From Silent Star

“Andy, Jesus knows the wounds others have given you. He knows its depth and width. He knows the pain. But, Andy, He also knows how to mend this wound—how to make your heart whole again.”

“They are blinded by the problems and trials of their own lives. They cannot see or feel anything else. It isn’t how God would have it be. God calls us to bare one another’s burdens, to help those in need, minister to those who are suffering. People seem to have forgotten all about that.”

“Well we don’t have a lot of money, but we know how to be charitable with our time and efforts.”

“You can’t spend too much time feeling sorry for yourself when you’re caught up helping other folks with their problems.”

“These are hard times and we need to be working together, not tearing each other apart.”

“It’s hard because you don’t practice. And you don’t practice because it’s hard. You have to try—you have to give it all you’ve got.”

All across town the tale was told in the stars. Blue changed to gold as heart after heart was broken in loss.

“They are in pain, Andy, and people in pain often do not understand the wounds they give others. They lash out, cutting and maiming, mindless of their actions because they are blinded by the anguish that fills their souls. You mustn’t judge them too harshly.”

“Delivering telegrams is nothing to be ashamed of.”

“I might as well be a murder. I bring the news of death and people hate me for it. You have no idea how they avoid me.”

But even when the drapes were pulled there was the stark, unforgettable reminder of the blue and gold stars that represented those in the service. Blue for the living. Gold for the dead. Banners of recognition and pride. Banners of hope … and of sorrow.