Hurting for years

Yesterday afternoon we visited a precious man. He has a heart for others and is very compassionate towards others. But oh does his heart hurt deep.


Three years ago his wife passed away and he has never grieved properly. He has so many regrets about how his wife died and how he never had a chance to actually say good bye to her. He regrets that he wasn't at home earlier in their marriage as he was out working hard to try and provide for his family. He cried and cried and cried.


On top of all this hurt he experienced the hurricane. It has hurt him so much to see what happened to his community. He hurts for those around him. He hurts for his children. He hurts!


We were able to bring him comfort and give him the tools to try and get back on his feet. By the time we left he actually had a smile on his face. I think it was the first time he has smiled in a long, long time.


I left there thinking how many people in our own communities are just like this precious man. He has been crushed by despair and it has immobilized him. But he is not beyond hope. Once again I think of the words from the song by "Downhere", "Hope is rising". Look it up.