Brothers in Christ.

To feel the pain of someone you love is potent in ones life, it is as though your very chest is ripped open to a fresh new pain unlike any you have ever felt.  It is one that we do not desire, one that finds its way into our life no matter how well we guard ourselves.  But the redeeming part of pain is brotherhood, we need brothers in Christ to come along with us when we are broken and distraught, when it seems that our lives can no longer get worse.  Christ brings that connection of souls into our lives to draw us closer to Him the way only pain can bring about.  Will we be bitter?  Maybe.  Does that mean God hates us?  No.  To experience a tragedy that a dear friend is going through is either the most destructive or constructive thing we can experience.  It is whether we choose to allow God in His grace and sovereignty to embrace us with peace and love.  It's O.K. to scream to the heavens in pain, to release that inner turmoil that we are experiencing, but we must not do it alone.  There is something amazing that happens when you share a burden, you begin to look up, to see that life is more then just pain and suffering, that love exists and is near.  To know that love is always near is a wonderful thought which we must grasp onto each and everyday.  Hebrews 2:14 talks about how Christ shared in our humanity.  He shared pain.  He shared friendship.  He shared love.  He shared life.  It is a moment in time where Man and God shared each other.  We must in turn share humanity with one another.  For we see salvation in our brokenness.  When we are weak He is strong.  I find myself weak a lot, so I find Him strong forever.

Let your hearts not be burdened down by the pain of this world, let it in turn be made new by the love of Grace eternal... For love is near and it is a beautiful thing.

-Todd LaBerge