These past few weeks have turned our world and family topsy turvy. In the midst of all the change and craziness I found myself feeling unsettled and uncomfortable. In the early days of COVID-19 we were so busy just adjusting and implementing the new norms in life that we didn’t have time to process or really think about the implications of all the cancellations in life.
Something that the Lord has been teaching me this past year is the spiritual practice of lament. Laments are our petitions arising out of need. Lament, as found in the Psalms, is described as a response to the reality of suffering and engages God in the context of pain and trouble.
As a family we have been intentional about lamenting together. Our girls talked about being sad they would not get to say goodbye to teachers and classmates who they may never see again. They grieved the loss of Grandpa and Grandma not being able to visit.
My husband, Steve*, and I grieved the canceled trip to see dear friends and mentors and canceled speaking engagements with our Alliance church families across the United States. I grieved the loss of extended family coming together for Easter—something we haven’t done in three years and won’t get the opportunity to do again for another three years.
Grief and loss are not unique to our family during this time, so as your family shelters in place, I encourage you to join our family in lamenting, grieving, speaking, and sharing the losses you are experiencing.
The beauty of lament is that lament connects God’s past promises with our present chaos and gives us hope for a better future. We who know Jesus know of His past promises and can remember times of His faithfulness in times of trouble.
Our world has changed, but our God is consistent and His promises and faithfulness will endure despite what is happening around us. Let us lament together where it is needed and rejoice together where we see God working and using this virus to bring about His good.
*Name changed
by an Alliance international worker serving in the Middle East