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Tragedy in a Small Community

Posted on December 12, 2011 by Marlo Jenkins

It’s been just over 2 weeks since deep shock and pain gripped our town because of the tragic loss of life that happened in one day. First, the loss of 3 young lives in a car accident and then later that same day the tragic and sudden passing of a deeply loved young adult in our community. I won’t even begin to compare the grief our family felt with the grief and pain the parents and family members of those who passed away felt and are continuing to feel, but ours has been significant.

I have seen, in tragedy, how our town rose to the occasion to show love and support to those in pain. The teenagers of our community lost friends and they lost a mentor…someone who was dedicated to encouraging youth to be people of character. I hope and pray that out of this difficult time will come commitments from parents and students to always make wise and safe choices, and appreciate and love family and friends in deeper ways.

As a community, it is also important that we continue to support and pray for these families who have lost loved ones. After the funerals and the flowers, how easy it is for us to forget. If you are thinking of a gesture of love and kindness, no matter how small it may be, follow through with it. Your thoughts and expressions of compassion will be deeply appreciated by grieving families, especially as we approach the Christmas season.

On the day the accident happened, I thought about the individual who caused the accident. I thought about how that person and his family will need prayer. I thought about how there will be a need to forgive that person – for our own spiritual and emotional health, and the collective health of our community. I encourage everyone to ponder this carefully and seriously.

In our thoughts and prayers must also be our police and medical personnel, the teachers and administration staff in our schools, our municipal leaders, among others. These people serve tirelessly and are deeply committed to our community. Each of you is greatly appreciated!

As we have turned to one another for support we must also not forget our Creator, who the writer of Psalm 146 described as “…our refuge and strength. A very present help in trouble.” How true that is. I’ve experienced Him as exactly that…for which I’m forever grateful. If you will turn to Him in grief or joy, He will be right there!