A Dispatch from the Valley
August 27th, 2008 Posted in encouragement, family, Pastor's cornerHello everyone!
Many people have asked me, “How are you doing?” Frankly, that is a very hard question to answer. It really depends on which moment one asks, but let me give you a little update.
It has been just over a month since Christopher so suddenly left us. It seems like yesterday.
There is a hole in the world and an even bigger one in our hearts for Christopher! I can so imagine him sitting with us, talking and laughing.
The reason this is harder is that every day that goes by, I am further from Christopher.
I miss him.
I miss his voice, his hair. I miss the lines on his face, his walk. All I have now are memories, photos, and a few videos.
I hate using the term, “Christopher died.” I don’t like using the word, and I choke up when I type it.
Yes, he died in one sense, but in a very real sense—an even more real sense—he is alive! More alive than he has ever been. More alive than I am right now.
Jesus said, “He who believes in me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in me shall never die” (John 11:25-26 NKJV).
Christopher Laurie is alive.
Anyway, as I was saying, before Christopher went to be with the Lord, I did not see him for almost a week before. He was out of town with his family.
So it has been well over a month since we last spoke. That is a long time, because we communicated every single day for the most part.
Yes, it’s sad, because every day I am further from my last time with my son. But then again, every day I am also closer! Closer to the day when I will be reunited with him in heaven.
As David said after the death of his son, “I will go to him, but he will not return to me” (2 Samuel 12:23 NIV).
So, those are some of my honest, real-time thoughts from the valley. God is faithful, and He will walk with us through it, just as He is walking with you through your valley.
Thanks again for your prayers and thoughtful words.
God bless you,
Greg
Greg,
I admire you more all the time. This all brings me back to the time in 1980 when my 28 year old brother was taken suddenly in a flying accident. He was a West Point graduate, and my parents were so proud of him. We went through the same pain. We stayed with our faith also, knowing he is now in a better place.
I have been listening to you for several years. You have helped me though many situations by teaching me God’s word. I would someday like to meet you. Thanks for all the help you and Christopher have given all of us.
Tim
I too lost my 38 year old son one year ago, July 27th 2007. I feel your pain and I do pray for you and your family. Yes, we know they are in heaven with our Lord, but we miss them here in our life as we know it.
God Bless you and comfort you and your whole family. I know from experience that it is a day by day, minute by minute of getting though your loss. I know the Lord understands your pain and only HE can help heal the empty hole that has been left in your heart. I know you know all this…just wanted you to know that to lean on Him as He is the only one that can lessen the pain.
In Christ’s Love,
Kay
Dear Laurie family,
I had just recently heard of your loss through my church. We were told about it, and said a prayer at the beginning of service. You are in our thoughts and prayers always.
Jamie
Oh Greg, I’m so sorry for your loss. I know just how you feel. I am 76 years old. In the past 2 and a half years, I have lost a daughter, a son, and also their father. I have 1 son and 1 daughter left. I know the empty feeling you feel. Praise GOD they were ready to meet Him. You are in my heart and prayers. Fill the empty space with loving memories.
Charlene
Oh gosh Pastor Greg… I remember counting the days,weeks, months and now years since I last saw my little girl… I remember the last time I laid eyes on her… June 30th 2003…the last time we spoke… July 3rd 2003.
Thank you for sharing this journey with us. I know it will be a blessing to those who walk with you… as well as a blessing to you.
We continue to pray. I know He is near to you and your family.
Hang in there and hold on. God is good!
Because He lives,
Poppy
You and your family are in my prayers. I listen to you every day on the radio, and just recently I heard about your loss. I understand loss and hold you and your family in my prayers. God is a good God. I love your faith.