"Our Son died at his own battlefield. He was killed in action fighting a civil war. He fought against adversities that were as real to him as his casket is real to us. They were powerful adversaries. They took toll of his energies and endurance. They exhausted the last vestiges of his courage and his strength. At last these adversaries overwhelmed him. And it appeared that he had lost the war. But did he? I see a host of victories that he has won!
"For one thing - he has won our admiration - because even if he lost the war, we give him credit for his bravery on the battlefield. And we give him credit for the courage and pride and hope that he used as his weapons as long as he could. We shall remember not his death, but his daily victories gained through his kindness and thoughtfulness, through his love for his family and friends... for all things beautiful, lovely and honorable. We shall remember not his last day of defeat, but we shall remember the many days that he was victorious over overwhelming odds. We shall remember not the years we thought he had left, but the intensity with which he lived the years that he had. Only God knows what this child of His suffered in the silent skirmishes that took place in his soul. But our consolation is that God does know, and understands."
from Reverend Wes Stephens at the funeral of a friend
who had committed suicide.
2 comments:
This one thing written has helped me understand a lot about what my son went through. He waged war daily, he was brave and though I miss him, he got tired of fighting and somehow I have to find a way to accept that without joining the battle myself. My son was not defeated, he was victorious, except in society it is not viewed as that. I know how you feel, as you too, had controversy around with your son's life. My son was also somewhat controversial. Society is so quick to point fingers, hurt the kindest ones of all because they don't conform.
But this one piece of literature, has helped me, look at things differently on days, when I can face the fact that he is really gone. Thanks for putting it up.
Dear sweet fellow Okie Dianna,
My heart cries with yours today. May God give you peace in your heart. I pray in some small way my words might give a small bit of comfort. My brother comitted suicide many years ago in 1969...I was but 19...today I am 60. But my heart still cries for him daily. I don't think the ones who committ suicide realize how much they are truly loved. I used to wander because so many So called Christian friends and family in laws pointed the fact out that my brother broke a cmmandment and so he was in Hell. I have since learned every sin is equal in the eyes of the Lord. He has promised a plave for the sick and infirm...he did not say just for the physically sick no he made no difference and He will not come judgement day. Rest my firend know Christopher is resting in the Lord within his Presence and Peace like my brother is.
May God bless you on this anniversary. Celebrate because Chris is Home....at least at peace.
Love you,Mare
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