A friend of mine was recently in a car accident. At first, she didn’t think she was injured. The following day, however, she was in pain with the effects of whiplash.
I’ve been thinking about this: Delayed reactions and prolonged hurt.
We recently celebrated Ascension Thursday. I couldn’t help but envision the “emotional whiplash” that the apostles must have experienced at Jesus’ coming and going. They depended on Him, followed Him, trusted Him. His own Mother was part of that intimate group.
Imagine the ups and downs of Palm Sunday, quickly followed by His horrific Passion and death, the confusion and joy of the Resurrection and Easter, the reunions and finally His leaving them again. It was a twisting period of pain and loss then joy, and then they seemed to be alone again, bereft. But Scripture tells us that they felt joy as they returned to Jerusalem to await the Holy Spirit.
Our experience with loss is much like this. As the days unfold, there are times of tears, times of laughter. Times of loneliness and times of overwhelming support.
Often, I can feel the presence of my deceased loved ones, that they have returned to me spiritually, infusing my very being. But there are also times they feel so very far away because I want more – to see their faces, to hear their words, to hold them again.
I do believe that when I pass on someday that they will greet me, that we will be reunited. I cannot now imagine what awaits me if I am faithful to Him. But what if I wasn’t faithful enough? What if my human perceptions fof eternal life are wrong?
Emotional whiplash, meet whiplash of faith.
In the silence of prayer where I draw closer to God, whiplash can find healing. Although I still do not understand it all, I do not need to. I know in my heart that because ours is a merciful God, I will be met with joy and the completion of love!
***
In an ongoing effort to offer bereavement support, this column, written by Julie Laurenzi, a retired licensed clinical social worker and head of our Consolation Ministry, will periodically appear here. Reach out to her at 518-225-1170 or Julie.laurenzi@gmail.com with questions or suggestions