Tough Week in Ministry-Emotionally

I love that God has called me into ministry. There are many aspects to vocational ministry, especially when you get to fill multiple roles! It definitely keeps you on your toes! It can be an emotional roller coaster at times. Sometimes you're celebrating the work of God in the ministry, planning and dreaming into the future and/or seeing your dreams come into fruition. Occasionally, there are challenges that you have to deal with-good and bad. Other times, you share the tough experiences of life with the people you serve within your congregation or in your community.

This has been a roller coaster week. Sunday was uplifting and exciting as we finished out an amazing month in the church, celebrating the increases we are seeing recently in the life of the church. Then, switch gears as Monday involved me officiating a funeral for one of the parents of one of my students. I've honestly done quite a few funerals, but this one was different due to the nature of the unexpected death and the dynamic of the family involved.

Today took the cake.

It is my oldest daughters birthday. She is 8. Tonight, my family will celebrate her special day, but this morning, I went to the hospital and stood with a father as he held his stillborn baby while his wife is fighting for her life in an ICU unit.

I know several people that have experienced this type of tragedy. My own family experienced this when I was growing up. My little sister Melea would have been 28 two weeks from today, but the Lord had different plans. I remember one time in high school talking to my mom about Melea, over 1o years after her still birth, and the emotions that still rose to the surface.

Then I felt bad for my mom. I knew it had to be painful. Today, this all means something more. It has been several hours since I watched the father hold his little, perfect looking, lifeless daughter, and my heart is heavy for him. Now, as a father myself, and as a husband, I can't imagine the hurt he is feeling. However, I know that God is in control. That little girl is now in the presence of Jesus, just as when King David mourned over the loss of his infant son, this father, a Christian, will one day be able to go to his daughter and spend eternity with her, worshipping our Savior.

This family needs your prayers. Again, this wife and mother is hanging on to life on this side of eternity. Pray for the strength, direction and peace of the Lord.

Tonight, time will continue to move forward. Life will move on for all-for some of us, here on earth; for others, it will be in eternity. Irregardless, it will keep on moving. Life brings happiness as well as sorrow, God brings peace and hope. There is a time to be born, a time to die, and a time for everything in between. Christ is present and aware for all of these times.