As I begin this new blog, I am going to attend the funeral of a young lady who's life was cut too short. There are many jumbled thougths coursing through my mind. I want to provide space for questions and exploration. Death is more difficult to deal with than anyone can expect.

I first heard of Sierra's passing in the hallway of our church between services. A parent approached me and shared with me the grim news. Two of the girls who were also in the accident, Michelle and Kristen survived the crash. I talked with both of them the Sunday before (February 25). We chatted briefly waiting for Michelle's mom to take them home after church. You can read the news briefs in the links in the sidebar.

So I am providing this space for you to explore your questions. I don't know if anyone will post. But I sense that God wants me to provide this space for you.

You may be experiencing many thoughts and feelings. You may feel insecure, unsafe. You may fear that tragedy may happen at any moment and it scares you. You may wonder if you can trust God anymore or at all. You may be asking the questions, "why?" You may sense that everythings out of control. You may even say, "I thought my world was okay and in order, but now I'm not so sure. I feel like I won't be able to handle it at all." You may be experiencing a difficulty to put your mind around this trauma. You may even think that you shouldn't ask any questions. These may be some of things your are feelings and thinking.

I want to allow you to explore asking and trying to work through the powerless ness of not being able to fix this or to know exactly what to think. I want you to use this space for your questions. Questions like:
Why did this happen? Why now? Why her? If God is love, why did He let this happen? If God is good, why do young people die? Where is God in all of this? Did I do something wrong?

My goal is not to provide quick answers. But I want to provide a place to say that I am sad about what happened. It's tragic. This is very hard. I am preparing to be present at the funeral and to experience this great loss with you. I can't imagine what you must be feeling. I am not you. So you are experiencing many things. I wonder if you'd like to share what your are experiencing. I trust others will join in the conversation.

May I pray? Okay.

"God, we will question why this happened, but we will seek some answers--still
let us trust in You. In Jesus' name, Amen."

Present to hear from you,
Pastor D