Obstacles to Faith: Personal Loss

In Memoriam:
Terrence J. "Terry" Henry
Dec. 8, 1937 - May 27, 2009
Beloved Father

Each of us suffers losses in life whether we are believers or not. These may come in monetary form or the loss of friends and loved ones. At these times, it may be difficult to keep one's faith. It is all to easy to blame God for what we endure. One may begin to ask, "Why did this have to happen to me?" Or worse, one might begin to make "Monkey's Paw" wishes. These are wishes which, if granted, lead to disastrous consequence.

In our short sighted woe, we let grief make us far more greedy than we would normally be. Sometimes, we fail to see the gifts still available to us. These include our friends and family who are at our sides to help us bear the loss we endure. It is not unheard of that a person might shut himself away from the world when things seem darkest. As cliche as it sounds, no man is an island. We cannot do this to ourselves. All strong emotions should be shared.

After the initial grieving was done, my father's home became a place of joyful remembrance and was filled to capacity with relatives from as far off as Florida. Some, though never forgotten, had changed so much that seeing them again seemed like meeting them for the first time. One such cousin brought along a wife and baby that our immediate family had yet to meet.

Now to examine the manner in which faith helps us in these times. Remember that the departed often endure a great deal of pain and illness before the end comes. Some would say that they do so to bring hope and happiness to those closest to them. Those of faith know that a place awaits them where they can leave the suffering behind. They yearn for this place, but know the grief their passing will bring to those who remain here.

The knowledge that departed souls no longer suffer does not require faith. It is obvious to us. There are two beliefs which do require faith. The first is that our departed loved ones will always be with us. The second is that when our lives are done, we will see our loved ones again. These are both very comforting thoughts, but they are impossible to hold without faith in God.