Maybe it was because of the emotion associated with seeing the movie, American Sniper. Maybe it was that our daughter, Macy, was on a school related retreat (making our home feel awfully quiet.) Or, maybe it was as simple as just missing our son. All I know is that the past weekend was hard for me and my wife, Michelle, where the loss of our son, Jordan, is concerned.
I’ve always taught, “When we hurt, God hurts.” This past Saturday night, God showed up at my front door and reminded me of just how true that statement is.
A friend had texted me Saturday evening to simply tell me he loved me. I texted back: “Your timing is impeccable. I’m walking around my living room gripping my chest and trying to catch my breath. The grief is so heavy. It’s just one of those days. Thank you so much. I feel like I just got a text from Jesus.”
Less than 10 minutes later our doorbell rang. Michelle and I looked at each other with one of those, “Who could that be??” looks. I opened the door and there stood the man who sent me the text. He said, “I’m here to hurt with you.” I just lost it. We held one another tightly and wept.
Michelle and I will never – ever – forget it.
Below is a water-color painting Jordan painted for me when he was 9 years old. He came up to me with big crocodile tears rolling down his cheeks and said, “Dad, God told me to paint this for you.” That’s also something I’ll never forget. The painting is now displayed in our home. Jordan & I titled the painting, “When we hurt, God hurts.”
This past Saturday evening, I learned this truth all over again.
Soli Deo Gloria, nw
