Tomorrow morning will be one of the toughest tasks in five years of Brian's ministry, laying to rest a beautiful young lady who just graduated from high school. After a month of struggle, she lost an unexpected battle with a rare and quick disease, HLH. The funeral service will be Ustreamed on the website: www.sullycrc.org
On the way home from a wedding reception tonight, as the sun was setting, we stopped by the prepared grave site outside of our small Iowa town. I didn't ask, but likely Brian's way of preparing for the ministry task before him tomorrow morning.
Streaks of light shone from behind the clouds in the sunset. Maybe others saw it as well. The clouds, though dark and stormy-looking, created a stunning light show from the sun behind.
This hymn, written in late 1700s by William Cowper, was originally titled, "Conflict: Light Shining out of Darkness," and reflects the mystery of God's plan, and the conflict we feel on this side of heaven. Brian sang this song acapella for an advent (Christmas) series at Brookside CRC a few years back, about the mystery of Christ's incarnation - God moving into our lives in ways we can't understand. It has been a meaningful song ever since.
1. God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea,
And rides upon the storm.
2. Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs
And works His sovereign will.
3. Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy and shall break
In blessings on your head.
4. Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust Him for His grace;
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face.
5. His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flower.
6. Blind unbelief is sure to err
And scan His work in vain;
God is His own interpreter,
And He will make it plain.
3 comments:
We are praying for you and you church today. May the peace and comfort that only God's loving arms can provide wrap around you a bless you.
with love and prayer,
Beth (and Jeff)
Dear Becky and Brian,
I am going to go to the library Sunday and find that sermon. One of the memorable things about the Ochsner's is their singing. Not just that your voices are sweet, but that when either of you sing people can see the depths of yourself and your faith.
I can truly see Brian looking at that sunset,with his heart heavy,and his soul rejoicing. I can hear his voice offering song to worship God with sad adoration.
It's probably the romantic in me that sees you, Becky, camera in hand recording yet another moment in the Ochsner's life in a gentle quiet support.
I miss both of you and your family, it was an enjoyment watching Brian as he journeyed from seminary student to Pastor, husband and father The introduction of the quiet Becky with that beautiful voice. Separately both of you are amazing when you sing but together...there is just something about the two of you together that blesses both our ears and our souls.
My thoughts and prayers are with you this morning as you minister to the family that lost a young lady way too early in life.
May God's peace surround all of you
Thanks, Becky. Your moving blog reminds me of my first funeral--in 1976 or 77, on my seminary internship, in the Sully CRC. I was on internship in Iowa City and Ruth Zylstra, a high school classmate who lived in Iowa City, died. I still remember the long ride to Sully with my internship supervisor, Al Helder. I still stay in touch with the family. Some bonds never wear away. Thanks again.
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