Originally posted Nov. 14, 2012, at faith in community. Republished with permission of the author.
I had a pile of phone calls to make today, most of them asking people whether they would serve in a particular capacity or be involved in community ministry.
But a few of them were just checking in.
I had this one piece of paper on my desk, a phone call I had tried to make a few days ago, because the woman’s husband asked that I check in. Her mother had died recently, he said, and she was taking it hard. I had left a message before, but didn’t throw the piece of paper away. I decided I ought to try to reach her one more time.
It was almost the end of the day. I dialed the number. The first thing I heard on the other end of the line: uncontrollable sobbing.
The woman had just found out, within the last hour, that her daughter had died.
“Who told you to call me?” she asked.
The Holy Spirit.
Perhaps.
Sometimes I don’t pay attention. Sometimes despite myself, I do.
That’s all I have to say, tonight. That’s all I have to say.
Except this: When I arrived at her house, three of her friends from work were also with her, sitting with her, talking a little. God has many comforters.
That’s all I have to say.
Find a link to Diane Roth’s blog faith in community at Lutheran Blogs.
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Dealing with death as a parish pastor
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