A Riverbed of Mercy
courtesy of Basil Samuel Lade – unsplash.com
God is a riverbed of mercy that underlies all the ephemeral flotsam and jetsam of your life. This riverbed is vast, silent, restful and resourceful.” – Richard Rohr
I’m resting in this truth this week as I mourn the loss of a family friend who ended his young life in suicide last month. It’s unfathomable, confusing, and perplexing. The feelings overwhelm any words to explain what happened to this beautiful and bright son, brother, friend.
We’ll never know why. All we can know is that God is a riverbed of mercy yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
May Stuart be at peace in the love of the God who created him and who holds him for all eternity. And may God caress his loved ones in this vast riverbed of mercy.
But the Lord said, “My grace is all you need. Only when you are weak can everything be done completely by my power.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 ERV
Dearest Karen:
Sending love and hugs to you today and in the weeks ahead as you mourn this loss.
Glenda
Thank you, Glenda.
Dear Karen So sorry to hear of your young friend.
My condolences to you and may God give you great peace and strength during this time.
Janet
Thanks, Janet.
Dear Karen,
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. God’s love, mercy,and tenderness is a healing balm to those of us who suffer. It’s healing to read your writing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and his family.
Love you Karen.
Sandy
Thank you, Sandy,.
Oh! So sad! Sorry for your loss dear friend. May Stuart’s loved ones find comfort in their faith and your companionship in this very difficult time. May all be bathed in the grace of God and may love and peace reach us all. Very difficult to fathom indeed. Beaming love ❤️ and light 🌟to all.
Thanks so much, Kathleen.
My heart is with you Karen & your friends & family.
💝🙏BRC
Thanks, Beth.
I am so sorry, Karen, for your loss. Praying for your family and his. love, Heidi
Thank you, Heidi.
Dear Karen, I am so sorry for the loss of this friend of yours and for his family, and all of his friends. It is so sad to lose a loved one and especially one so young and who has taken their own life. I am sure the family members are wondering what they could have done to prevent this from happening, but we can never know, SO, we have to just hang on to the fact that God will give us some peace when we are emotionally ready to receive it. It is so sad. I pray for all of those who knew him that God will give them comfort and peace.
Hugs to you . Margaret
Thank you, Margaret.
Oh, there seems to be so much of that these days. I’m so sorry, Karen, that you’re suffering such a loss. It’s so hard no matter what the age…
Thanks, Barbara.
My heart hurt for you Karen! As has been said, there are so many of these people who for many different reasons seem to feel this is the “best” way out of their pain.
I have a very close friend who lost two of her sons, twenty years apart, in this way. She lost her father and a brother together in a plane crash, and is now a widow. She is a strong believer and has had many sorrows in her nearly 90 years. She was a “preacher’s wife” , Bible teacher, musician and a great witness. The Lord has carried her through it all. He used those great sorrows in her life to give her great compassion and ability to comfort others. She would say “Trust the Lord no matter what.” He will not leave you comfortless. He is Faithful.
I have often said,” When we don’t understand God’s ways, we trust God’s character (His Goodness never fails).
Love to you.
Thanks, Etta Mae. What a beautiful testimony from your friend. It was lovely seeing you today at Encore. You look well as always.