Last night there was a discussion online over a sorrowful, tragic thing that happened in the blogosphere on Christmas Eve. A blogger took her own life. There's very little to go on from her blog, to try to make sense, to see some sort of signs, to understand that she was filled with such despair, so much so that she would take a gun and kill herself on Christmas Eve. These are thin times though - and happy thoughts just won't do, no matter how much we wish it so.Blogging is at once an isolated activity and yet one that is at the same time bursting with a kind of community. Words matter. As we read the reflections of other bloggers over this shock, we see how friendships develop over time - people do care, the written word is powerful. But it's still not the same as actually being there. At some point, there's nothing that can compare to looking into the eyes of a friend who takes your hand and wipes away the tears.
The Incarnation.
3 comments:
Words matter and people do care, but it's like watching someone carrying a heavy box or dragging a suitcase that more than half their height, we empathize but the one with the burden doesn't feel it. We have to be close enough to say "can I help" in order for the one carrying the burden to be able to notice.
Virtual realities can never replace incarnational ones. Even if we put one our happy face and lie, often our eyes betray us to a true friend who knows. That's something we can forget in the days of "social networking site" but the best example was set out for us 2000 years ago.
Dittos Kevin.
Having tended to numerous persons after suicide attempts, gestures, and "successes," as well as having witnessed this in my own family, I suggest we pray for the family and friends of the departed.
Today was her funeral service.
Almighty God, Father of mercies and giver of comfort: Deal graciously, we pray thee, with all those who mourn, that casting every care on thee, they may know the consolation of thy love ...
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