Grief

GRIEF
She leaned heavily into the window frame as if were a crutch holding up her wounded soul. Her head was cradled between the hard window casing and the cool windowpane which pressed into her forehead. The room was dark behind her and the sky was dark in front of her. Her glazed eyes fixed on the one brightly lit office window in a neighboring building. Having stood frozen in one position for hours, her blank stare had mindlessly captured the hustle and bustle of daily life in the five-story building. As the sun made its westward trek, windows that were once lit showcasing men and women at work, began to darken one by one. She had watched the life ebb from the building as workers began streaming out of the ground floor doors. Now the only hint of life that remained was the solitary window on the top floor. Her once blank stare focused on this one bright light. She stared at it intensely, subconsciously begging it to stay on, hoping it would shine through the night. This random light became a lifeline. It seemed like a beacon of hope reaching out to her. She stood a little taller, her will grew stronger and her gaze intensified, as her mind demanded the light to stay on. For a moment it seemed like the light was responding to her silent cry, but in one horrific and unsuspecting moment that lone window grew suddenly dark. She blinked her tear-filled eyes a few times, hoping to have just lost her focus, but no matter how many times she blinked, the light was gone and the five-story building which earlier that day had been filled with life and joy, and productivity, was now dark, empty and lifeless.  The window frame hadn’t changed, but the weight of hopeless darkness crashed into her with such force that her knees buckled and she slid to the floor wishing she could somehow be swallowed up in the overwhelming blackness or that someone… anyone… would strike even a match and give her reason to hope again.

HOPE
The noise.
What was it?
Even through her lidded eyes, she could sense the heavy cold blackness that blanketed her last night had retreated.
The pounding noise returned.
She rubbed the sleep from her puffy eyes and sat up. She tucked herself into the corner of the wall and the window, and hugged her knees. The tell-tale warmth of the sun and its position high up in the sky told her it was almost noon. Immediately her eyes were drawn to the office building next door. The hustle and bustle of people casually going about their daily life felt like a cold cup of water in her face. She inhaled suddenly, gasping for a breath in the face of her reality. How could life ever seem normal, or feel good again?
But then came the noise again. It was softer this time. It was someone knocking on her door. Fear caused every muscle to freeze. But then came the voice. It was gentle and kind.

“Jeanie, I’ve brought you some lunch. Can you open the door, so I can come in? I’ve been praying for you, and I would love to give you a hug. Please Jeanie. Can you open the door.”

It was her neighbor.

She didn’t know her neighbor very well. She’d never taken the time to get to know her… but every encounter with her older neighbor had been pleasant and encouraging... she’d even knitted a blanket for—"

“Jeanie, can you hear me? Are you okay? I only want to see you and give you a hug.”

The warm concern in her voice felt like a healing balm being poured into her soul.

“Dear Jesus, comfort Jeanie today. Please be her Helper… her Healer… and her Hope…”

Almost without explanation, she felt drawn to this kindness. She unfolded her legs and stood. Stepping out of her corner, she moved to the door. She placed her left palm in the middle of the door and closed her eyes, feeling the words in her soul.

“Will You show Jeanie, that You are acquainted with grief, and You want to draw Her close, and comfort her.”

She needed this prayer.

 “May You be Jeanie’s strength today… as You were mine in my day of grief.”

She needed this hope, and she needed a friend.

She slowly opened her door to her neighbor… and was immediately enveloped in the warmest, most compassionate hug. 

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Can you be hope to someone today?  

Ask God to show you, who needs His help, healing and hope today - then reach out and share His love with them.

- Jodie Sewall