A Personal Note from Max Lucado…
Our hearts go out to Rick and Kay Warren. Since we heard the news of their son’s sudden passing, my wife Denalyn and I have felt such sadness on their behalf. I’m sure you have felt the same. The Warrens, who mean so much to so many of us, find themselves facing what no parent ever wants to face.
In my years as a pastor, the most difficult hours have been those in which I have watched parents bid farewell to their children. Thinking of those in our congregation, thinking of Rick and Kay, I wrote this prayer.
GRAVESIDE GRIEF
They never planned to bring their child here, Father.
They planned to bring their child to school, to the zoo, to kindergarten, to the beach…
But here? No.
To piano lessons? Yes.
To soccer fields? Yes.
To graduation? Yes.
But here? Never. No parent plans to bring his child here.
Children bring parents here. Isn’t that the order of things? Sons and daughters bury moms and dads. Who can bear the weight of this reversal? Who can stand to stand near the grave of their child?
Such a deep sorrow. This elixir of regret, remorse, second thoughts, and “if onlys”… Who can abide its taste?
We pray for these parents, Father. Our kindest words fall like empty husks. Help us know how to help them.
You know. You’ve been here.
You brought your Son to a cemetery. You witnessed the silent tomb. Yet, you resurrected hope from that tragedy.
Would you bring hope again?
Through Jesus,
Amen
