Grateful For Loss
We recently received a sad diagnosis for our 2 year old kitty, Sophie. Knowing this may be the last blog I write with her by my side, I am comforted knowing although she lived a short life, it brought with it such joy to a family that was in desperate need. I have jokingly called her "my therapy cat".
During the CoronaVirus scare, the reaction has brought with it unchartered territories. As we prepare to say goodbye to our kitty, I know others are mourning the loss of loved ones. Others are experiencing loss of job and the future is uncertain. My heart goes out to children living in abusive homes who won't have contact with those who keep them safe, the elderly at home who cannot sit with their grandchildren, the family members who can't join their critically ill loved ones while hospitals enact strict precautions, the small business owners that will have to close permanently soon (or already have), the healthcare workers who get up again and again, graduations, weddings, vacations that are cancelled, and the list goes on and on.
After moving to New York, it feels our family has experienced our share of loss. We have been faced with the loss of closeness to family, loss of my husband's career, loss of financial security, loss of direction, loss of hope in a political and judicial system, loss of faith of leadership in a city, and now soon to be loss of a fur baby. We all have our painful stories.
BUT what if I were able to say THANK YOU. TO ALL OF THIS.
“Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thess. 5:16-18).
Let me try this again, after moving to New York, it feels our family has experienced our share of BLESSINGS. After we got the news that the Judge dismissed our cases, I sat disheartened on my staircase. My daughter, Ashlynn joined me. She held me, and said, "Mom, God has a better plan". She is only 9 years old, and her child-like faith is what I seek everyday! The politicians do not hold the answers, nor do the media pundits, nor money. But I know who does.
Anytime we have moved, one of the biggest blessings is the people we have met. Let me tell you what I have learned about Rochesterians, they are LOYAL, PASSIONATE and GENEROUS. They have been our parachute, during a long fall. And I know during crisis, this amazing group of people come together and lift each other up. It's why Jeremy and I remain in Rochester.
During this unusual time, my hope is that we use "this pause" from our hectic daily lives to rediscover what is truly most valuable. That has been one of my biggest BLESSINGS during all the LOSS. The calamity equipped me, it empowered me, it gifted me my purpose, the one I have been called to all my life, but have been too distracted at times to realize.
One night as I lay in mental anquish last summer, I heard two words that would change my life forever, "be patient." I began my healing through God's grace in that very moment. So as I sit here with my family during this coronavirus scare, I will "be patient" with my spouse, my kids, my friends, my enemies and LOVE THEM, as I have been commanded to do so.
As we say goodbye to our Sweet Sophie, I am reminded how short life is. Let's live it well, live it courageously, live it in faith.
Love,
Lisa Ray