Sharing Sorrow
By Karen D’Amore
“And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it.”
1 Corinthians 12:26a (NKJV)
He was a recent high school graduate; a boy the blogs described as “fun, funny, quirky, godly.” A few days earlier he was seen hanging out with friends in the church youth room. A weekend get-away turned tragic when an ATV accident claimed the young boys’ life. A son, grandson, brother…and a friend to many, he was now…forever gone.By Karen D’Amore
“And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it.”
1 Corinthians 12:26a (NKJV)
The mood within the church grew somber, as the news of the boys untimely death was announced from the pulpit. As details of the tragedy unfolded, the church aisles dotted with tissues blotting away tears. Teens clung to one another in disbelief. Parents clutched their children tighter then ever before. Embracing arms moved like a “ball-game-wave” across the room, as pew neighbors reached out to comfort one another. A storm of tears flooded the room as the worship team sang, “You give and take away/You give and take away/My heart will choose to say/Lord, Blessed be Your name.”
I didn’t know the young boy personally; however, his face was familiar from within the church halls. As my eyes scanned the sanctuary, they fumbled past one grieving member after another. Some members couldn’t put a face with the name; some members knew of him, while others knew him well. But regardless of the relationship, the room was void of a single dry eye. Knowing many who were close to him, my chest tightened in anguish as I shared in the pain of those surrounding me. I swallowed hard and labored to breathe through the vicarious suffering of the Body.
Hearts continued to grieve as the church service drew to a close. Heads which had hung downward in despair, diverted to an upward gaze of hope. Strangers linked arms with strangers and universal tears melded the hearts of the Body of Christ together as one. Scripture came to life as Christ infused the members of the congregation with a deep sense of solidarity. On a day with great cause for sorrow, I found reason to rejoice.
As Christ-followers, we have been adopted into the family of God. And as members of the Body of believers, we are exhorted to bear one another’s burdens, rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn. Seeing Scripture come to life in vivid Technicolor was a sight to behold. Experiencing the unity of the Body of Christ, made me question why anyone would not want to be a member of such a glorious family.
GOING DEEPER:
1. How can you share in the suffering of others?
FURTHER READING:
Roman 12:15; Galatians 6:2; 1 Peter 3:8
Married to Dan, Karen is a retired police officer and is currently a Nail Technician at Craig Berns. She is an administrator for Oakwood’s Tuesday a.m. Bible Study and a volunteer at the Wildlife In Need Center.
