Yes, You Have Known Saints…
On Sunday, I joined a few others outside (socially distanced) in our village’s Ancient Burying Ground (tombstones date to the 1600’s) to celebrate the life of an older friend from our church. It was a crisp, clear Autumn day in New England. And behind my mask, I ugly cried the entire service.
Grieving for all the losses of all the people. So many. Too many.
“Do not hurry as you walk with grief; it does not help the journey. Walk slowly, pausing often: do not hurry as you walk with grief. Be not disturbed by memories that come unbidden. Swiftly forgive; and let Christ speak for you unspoken words. Unfinished conversations will be resolved in Him. Be not disturbed. Be gentle with the one who walks with grief. If it is you, be gentle with yourself. Swiftly forgive; walk slowly, pausing often. Take time, be gentle as you walk with grief…” (Northumbria Community)
I know that death is an inevitable part of life. I’m one of those people who get frustrated with those who constantly say “if I die..” and I have to bite my tongue not to correct them with “It’s when I die, we’re all gonna die!” That’s reality. And the reality is also that the older we get, the more loved ones we have on the other side…
Instead of focusing on Halloween/All Hallow’s Eve, I prefer to celebrate All Saints Day (November 1) and All Soul’s Day (November 2) during this time of harvest.
Even though some think only the canonized are ‘saints’, the Bible recognizes all Christians as ‘saints.’ We remember the great cloud of witnesses who have gone before us in the faith, stretching across the centuries and around the globe. “However hard it might seem to follow the way of Jesus in our own time and place, this is a day to remember that we may be crazy, but we are not alone.” (Common Prayer for November 1st)
So…. if you, like me, find yourself teary occasionally as you trudge this journey of faith and fortitude, seeking to persevere amidst all that says give up, then remember those words, “we may be crazy, but we are not alone!”
Yes, you and I have most certainly known saints. Maybe, just maybe, if we’re quiet enough, we can hear the angels singing…over us…and for us…
“Almighty God, with Whom still live the spirits of those who die in the Lord, and with Whom the souls of the faithful are in joy and felicity: I give You heartfelt thanks for the good examples of all Your servants, who, having finished their course in faith, now find rest and refreshment. May I, with all who have died in the true faith of Your Holy Name, have perfect fulfillment and bliss in Your eternal and everlasting glory; through Jesus Christ my Lord, Amen.” (Divine Hours)
under the mercy, Lucinda
“Helping You Choose a Life of Serenity & Strength”
©2020 Lucinda Secrest McDowell
Lucinda Secrest McDowell is a storyteller and seasoned mentor who engages both heart and mind while “Helping You Choose a Life of Serenity & Strength.” She has authored 15 books including “Soul Strong – 7 Keys to a Vibrant Life” and “Life-Giving Choices – 60 Days to What Matters Most.” She writes from “Sunnyside” cottage in New England and shares encouragement at LucindaSecrestMcDowell.com
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I’m sorry for your loss, Lucinda. I love your perspective and feel blessed to be on this “journey of faith and fortitude” with you and other saints. Have a blessed harvest season!
Thanks for reading, Cathy. Actually, I grieve so many losses of so many people these days, not just me. But we have the hope of heaven…
As I sat down this morning, looking for comfort as I mark this, the fourth anniversary of the death of my husband, look what I found! Yes, these ARE the encouraging words I needed today.
Oh Roberta, it sounds like the Spirit prompted me to write and post this just for you. Praying, dear sister…
Lucinda, this is very beautiful. I was not allowed to mourn growing up and when facing death do not understand when people do. It has created a lot of hurt in my friends who have lost children and parents. I had a brother who passed on a Sunday and my father made us go to school the next day, Monday. I appreciate your willingness to share how you grieved over the many and the reminder of the honor and remembrance due to the saints who have plowed ahead of us. May their lives be honored and remembered as we go into this special season. May the seeds they planted come to fruition that the harvest may begin. Praise be to God!
Thank you for reading, Brigette. Mourning and Lament are part of life and of healing. Blessings!