Comments on: Sunday, 4/15/18 – Beauty

By: Helene

Helene — Tue, 17 Apr 2018 10:13:44 +0000

I,as an adult, can handle suffering but it hurts my heart so much to see children and animals suffer. I don’t blame God for their suffering but I wish God could give me the ability to take their suffering from them and let me have it. They ( children and animals)are not equipped with the understanding of the strength faith hope and trust in Jesus that I have to help them through their suffering. I can only cling to the knowledge that when their suffering ends in death they will finally be happy in heaven! (Yes, I believe animals have a special place in heaven too!)

By: Maureen

Maureen — Mon, 16 Apr 2018 14:07:13 +0000

Maybe I’m confused. The suffering that is referred to above, is that the suffering of the one who passed on or those who loved her? That one suffered during their last days months or years cannot be beautiful. Watching the pain and suffering is not beautiful, until possibly many years later when one begins to see beauty in participating in the stages of death. I do, however see beauty in the compassion, support and uncomplicated love grieving persons need and others are more than happy to provide and share. Knowing our Lord is holding everyone in their sadness, maybe joy, is tremendously beautiful. I see the beauty in the totally selfless, terrible suffering and death of Jesus BECAUSE of his resurrection. I have experienced the profound loss of my parents and of a friend who died due to opiods. There is much beauty for the ones who passed death and moved on to enjoy eternity with our loving God. Maybe some day I’ll “get” the beauty of human suffering on earth before passing on.
Joseph, I see beauty in every word you wrote because you included personal experience and carefully, lovingly worked to send your message. Also, Joseph, I appreciate my opportunity to think aloud in this space! God bless!

By: Joseph LaCombe

Joseph LaCombe — Mon, 16 Apr 2018 00:16:10 +0000

In reply to Anonymous.

Thank you all for your comments, and for sharing your stories. Our individual stories are how God comes into the lives of others. Hope is the one thing we can control. I’ve often thought about the violent sudden deaths, and how I would react if it was someone close to me who was very young who died, such as my son, or if someone close to me committed suicide. Suicide has been an issue in the community I live in. In either way, my thoughts always come back to God and Hope – and accepting His will. I would cling to my faith, I would cling to Christ, and I would cling to those around me. I would cling to hope and the belief in God’s grace and mercy. I would think of Christ on the Cross and His Passion and His Father weeping in Heaven, knowing one day I would understand. I pray all of you experience this, and I pray Hope fills your soul. God bless.

By: A

Mon, 16 Apr 2018 00:15:35 +0000

My condolences to you and your family, Joe. I will pray for your aunt.

“When we question why we have to suffer, and why bad things have to happen, think about Jesus. He suffered a more violent death than anyone. He carried more burden and pain than anyone. So, if God had to sacrifice and suffer, for us, why shouldn’t we have to?”

YES! I completely agree, and when I came to this epiphany a while back, it was such a moment of spiritual growth and freedom. Thank you, Joe, for stating it so clearly, and I hope that your words are cementing this epiphany for those of us who have come to grasp it, and revealing it to those who have not grasped it yet.

Jack Findlay, I hope you read Joe’s reflection today, and I hope that the section I quoted above stood out for you. This section contains the answer to the questions you keep asking both Joe and some of the other writers on this site. May the Lord bless you on your journey.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sun, 15 Apr 2018 13:31:05 +0000

I absolutely love your poem and hope you don’t mind if I share it. I too have experienced the beautiful death of loved ones, dying to this life reaching out to our Savior’s open arms. I have also experienced the unimaginable suicide of my nephew…. there has never seemed to be any peace or beauty there. I had to accept it, accept that God allowed it. Your thoughts give me hope that I can somehow unite his suffering and desperation with the passion of Christ. That with prayer I can find beauty in the love Jesus had for him, realizing that He suffered every step with him due to His great love. I guess that is beautiful. My condolences to you Joe. My prayers to the grieving parents, and all who need to see and know God’s love in death.

By: T.M.

T.M. — Sun, 15 Apr 2018 13:00:43 +0000

I think your final paragraph also reads like a poem. Beautiful.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sun, 15 Apr 2018 11:52:19 +0000

Joe, very nice reflection. My feelings parallel yours. We lost a daughter a little over 2 and a half years ago to a violent death. I’m dealing with it OK and my wife is slowly getting better. But wow, I tell you what, living with a grieving person is not easy – no matter what you do or try to say.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sun, 15 Apr 2018 11:05:31 +0000

Joe, your reflection today gives me such a different outlook on the end of earthly life. Actually a very positive outlook that helps me cope and understand. And your poem…incredible. Thank you