Lament
(Written April 1, 2023)
You get the unexpected call. A voice says, “I’m so sorry to have to tell you this.” You can’t comprehend. Your heart seems to stop. Dread fills your entire being.
“What? Impossible. How could this happen?”
You react. Fight back. Deny the truth.
Reality slowly creeps through your numbness.
Heartbreak.
Tragedy
On March 31, 2023, my niece, Morgan, died after delivering a baby boy, her second child.
Childbirth is usually a joyful occasion. Morgan dies. Bennett, her son, lives. Who could have guessed that joy and tragedy would co-mingle.
How does a person reconcile this reality? I can only lament.
What is Lament?
Lament is a passionate expression of grief or sorrow. Your cries are raw, gut-wrenching, exhausting.
The only words I could pray after hearing the news of Morgan’s death were “Jesus, Jesus, help!”
Over-whelming sorrow can leave us feeling alone and abandoned. But God has not abandoned us. We can cry out to Him with our anger and pain. He wants our lament.
“Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord! O Lord, hear my voice!” Psalm 130:1-2a
“My soul is in deep anguish. How long, Lord? How long?” Psalm 6:3
“Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me.” Psalm 42:7
When you are undone by the circumstances in life, you can lament. The Lord hears you and is near.
Dear Jesus, grief has overtaken me. All I can do is cry out to you with heartache and tears. Have mercy Dear Lord. Amen.
Questions to Consider:
- Are you enduring a time of incredible loss? Give yourself permission to lament.
- You can be real with God. He will not be offended. Spend time right now and share your grief with Him.
Maria, I am so very sorry about Morgan. Sending belated condolences and praying for you and your family as you continue to mourn her loss.
Thank you Julie!
Maria, this is such a touching story of deep, deep loss.
Praying for comfort and trusting our Good Shepherd to sustain and hold your dear family.
Thank you Donna!