Phone Call

Yesterday morning I received a very shocking phone call.  It was from a friend with whom I had just had lunch the day before.  I was surprised to hear her voice so early in the morning.  She said she had sad news to share, and went on to tell me that the pastor of her church, who has only been there for three years, was traveling with her daughter in Portland, Oregon, and unexpectedly passed away.  She thought she had a pinched nerve in her leg,  but that turned out to be a blood clot.

I served a church not so long ago, where they lost their pastor to cancer.  For a congregation to lose a beloved pastor is a traumatic, painful, and long-lasting loss.  The  clergywoman who just died is probably ten years younger than I am, so that also makes the news even more shocking.  I do know her from having worshiped at that church, though I could not claim a personal relationship.  When a pastor preaches weekly and shares their faith, hoping and trying to inspire others,  the congregants all at least feel like they have a deep personal relationship with their minister.

It's hard for me to even imagine what those folks will have to go through, and it will take a long long time to recover.  In fact, the grief will last for years. I wish there were some way that I could help.  I did offer.

My heart goes out to that family, to my friend, and to all the folks who are still trying to get their heads wrapped around such an unexpected death.

In a moment, with no warning, it can all be over.