Lately I’ve spent much time staring out windows, head tilted up as I toss up words covering people in unimaginable circumstances. So many are braving losses without the companion of answers, including those families of the 12 Marines lost after their aircrafts went down off the coast of Hawaii last week. Today at 1pm MST a memorial service honoring these husbands, daddies, sons and sweethearts takes place an ocean away. As a former military wife whose family was stationed in Hawaii, I will be watching and praying along, and you can too right here.
Today, I offer this small prayer with the singular intention of providing a bit of comfort to anyone grieving without answers.
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Father, when the answers I reach to receive don’t arrive, thank you for offering your hand in their place.
Thank you for remaining close even when those answers aren’t.
Lord, reveal yourself to me today.
As my circumstances change, help me hold onto your unchanging promise of presence.
Give me peace about last words spoken and comfort in knowing what wasn’t said is still truly known.
Bring me safe people who create safe places for me to grieve any way I need.
Thank you for being the best kind of safe place, Lord. My wounds are always safe in your presence.
Press my ear to your heart while I wait for the answers, even as they may not reach me till heaven.
***
Lord, those wives missing husbands today, cup their hurting heart near yours.
Those babies missing daddies, cradle them close and catch their tears.
Those mamas missing sons, tell them their boys will never be forgotten.
To all those missing a loved one, may they know they don’t grieve alone.
May those wanting to help offer their quiet tears, prayers, and presence, and may you use them to divide the pain of those suffering.
In the loving name of Jesus,
Amen
My friend Christie Purifoy’s brother-in-law was one of the 12 Marines. Christie is an author, and her first book releases soon. After hearing the news of her brother-in-law, Christie shared these words,
“The book I wrote is not diminished by this sorrow. It is more true than I knew, and it has become, for me, an anchor outside this grief.
It is, quite literally, the material form of my hope.
If I once thought it was my gift to God then it is a gift he has given back to me. I can hold hope in my hands, even if I fail to see it in these circumstances.”The author in me wants to do anything I can to help another author bring her book into the world. It is a small kind of help, but small can still ease burdens. Consider adding Christie’s lyrical, stunning Roots and Sky: A Journey Home in Four Seasons to your own library and hold an anchor of hope for your own dark places.
Preorder Roots and Sky here and receive it when it releases February 2nd.
If your heart is broken, you’ll find God right there;
if you’re kicked in the gut, he’ll help you catch your breath.
Psalm34:18 The Message
tonia says
Very lovely. Joining you in praying this today.
Susan G says
Thanks for this Kristen. My heart has been broken for the Marines and their families since I first heard the news. My great nephew is also a Marine stationed there in Hawaii, and I found out he was not one of the 12…
I have a heart for all our troops, and continue to pray for them all.
I will continue to pray comfort on all these grieving families.
Bless you.
Kristen says
My goodness, Susan, I didn’t realize your great nephew is a Marine stationed in Hawaii too. I’m so thankful he’s okay.
And your prayer is my own. As time passes on, may God’s comfort stay close. Thankful for you, Susan. xo
Beth Williams says
Kristen,
Thank you for this great and timely prayer! Can’t imagine what those mammas and children are feeling right now and will feel for a long time!! Prayers going out to them right now! May God surround them with His arms and bring about a peace!!!
The prayer has a special meaning for me also!! Going through change now that is hard to deal with!!
Blessings 🙂
Samantha Livingston says
Love your heart in this and, especially, your standing behind Christie and waving the flag for her, introducing her new book to the world. Can’t wait to read it. 🙂