Have You Suffered Loss?

Tuesday, March 7, 2023

Have you suffered loss? A loved one? A friend? Even an acquaintance? Prayer chains for both the churches we are really involved in (in Moses Lake, WA and Harrison, TN) have lists of members or their family and close friends who have passed on, or are at death’s door. There have been different friends and family members of mine who have passed on in the last few months. Just this morning we got the message that a cousin lost his wife, this after loosing his son just a few weeks ago. In times like these, I am always at a loss as to what to say to those who are hurting. It doesn’t mean I care any less. My heart really goes out to you. Loss is difficult, even if the person was a believer and we know we will see them again one day. If the person was a non-believer, the loss is greater still.

Or perhaps you are facing death, knowing your time is coming to an end. Psalm 23:4 says, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” There is comfort in death for the believer, for, as Paul stated in 2 Corinthians 5:8, “We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.” We can have the confidence and hope because of His promise we will be with Him. That is something to look forward to!

So, for those of you suffering loss, or starring death in the face, I would like to dedicate this article to you. This poem is a result of some of the deeper losses I have experienced. Though life does go on, those losses will always tug at my memory, reminding me of special people who will never be forgotten. Hopefully this poem will be a blessing to you: A hug in this time of sorrow. This is my hug to you.

Even if your loss was not even recent, this poem is for you. Thank you for taking the time to let me grieve with you.

Engraved On My Heart
By Mari Dekle

I looked for your face:
      Those eyes full of expression,
      The many facets of your moods,
      Your laughing lips.
           But now there are only shadows,
           So changeable in the wind.

I listened for your voice:
      The talks,
      Your humming and singing,
      Your laughter.
           But now there are just whispers,
           Hidden well within the walls.

With you, things were different:
      You sought me out,
      You spent time with me,
      You were always there for me.
           I know,
           To you I was very important.

Please don’t let me forget:
      Your humor,
      Your tenderness,
      Your capacity to listen.
           Everything, really,
           Was a treasured gift.

You were a part of me:
      My brother,
      My friend,
      My confidant.
           The separation hurts,
           It tears at my soul.

There are moments when I still sense you:
      A fragrance that was like you,
      An object that was from you,
      An experience that we had together.
           The memories,
           They bring tears to my eyes.

But then I think, what if:
      You never existed?
      Our paths had never crossed?
      You had never loved me?
           My life,
           It would be totally different.

There will be a reunion in Heaven:
      You are gone,
      I can’t cling to you anymore,
      I must leave you in God’s hands.
           For this,
           I am so grateful to God.

Looking back, I have my regrets:
      That I held you at a distance,
      That I was too afraid of disappointment,
      That I was silent about my true feelings.
           The time is past,
           It’s just too late.

I did love you:
      Even when the pain is less today than yesterday,
      Even when the tears no longer stream,
      Even when your face is no longer clear in my mind.
           Believe me,
           You’re eternally engraved on my heart.

Blessings and Hugs, Mari