Shepherd me, O God, beyond my wants,
beyond my fears, from death into life (ELW 780).
Pr. Melissa learned early this morning that her mother, Phyllis Johnson, died of cardiac arrest. Our love and prayers surround Pr. Melissa, Matt, Sam, Eleanor, and all of Phyllis’ family in this time of grief. Service details will be shared when they are finalized.
Yesterday, Pr. Melissa posted “Peace, Despite Myself,” on her blog, The Holy Imagination. I’ve shared excerpts, below.
“These days, I don’t want to admit that my mother is battling an incurable cancer.
“I don’t want to accept the reality of her other underlying health issues.
I don’t want to remember that she is currently struggling in the hospital.
I don’t want to be at peace with the knowledge that this journey, whether soon or far off, will end with a goodbye.
“But I also, despite myself, felt an unexpected and perhaps unwelcome peace wash over me.
“This is not a peace that I want right now. I do not want to feel ready for the darkest day.
“But I will also treasure this peace, this moment where the breeze reminds me that I am resilient, and where the budding trees show me that I will emerge from whatever challenge is ahead still able to witness beauty and watch love dance through this world like two butterflies spinning across the sky.”
With prayers for comfort and peace,
Pr. Chad
