(Note: “Love Deeply – Grieve Deeply” was written to be published in the IBC Perspectives – October 2014 issue.)
My heart is heavy and tears flowing because Sunday, August 24, 2014, my beloved brother, Rev. David R. Theobald, left his earthly home to go to his heavenly home. He was always my ‘big brother’ being eleven years my senior. From a young man he loved God and he loved people. In the middle 70’s, David was Foreign Mission Promotional Director under the leadership of Tom Fred Tenney for the UPCI. He traveled nationwide promoting the PIM program that he had introduced to the missions division. Because of his efforts, thousands of souls found salvation through the years. David took a missionary trip around the world with Billy Cole and others years ago and shared so many wonderful (some humorous) stories upon his return.
In my 22 years as a certified pastoral counselor, I’ve counseled many people who were grieving. Through the experiences of close friends and my parents’ deaths, I know first hand deep sadness. When we love deeply we grieve deeply because of the physical loss of our loved one. Just one breath is between life and death. There is a time to weep. The Bible says, ‘Weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice.’ Jesus wept at Lazarus’s death. God is touched by the feelings of our infirmities – sorrows. But, PRAISE GOD, we have a hope in the resurrection unto eternal life because Jesus paid the price for our sins on the cross.
Grieving is a lifelong process. Talking about the one you love to family and close friends is comforting. Journaling prayers and thoughts in the grief process is a way to release the ache of the heart to God. Celebrating their special days to make new memories with family/friends is a comfort. The God of all comfort promised to comfort us and we can comfort others – 2 Corinthians 1: 3 – 5. Even as the tears flow, God promises – blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted!
Carol Clemans is a Certified Pastoral Counselor/anointed Bible teacher for churches & conferences. She provides confidential nationwide counseling by phone/Skype (636) 448-0121. Revs. Harold & Carol Clemans’ pastor is Jerry Dillon, Madison, MS. Go to: www.carolclemans.org for bio, 80+ articles, teaching CD’s, DVD’s, book: GOD’S DESIGN FOR MARRIAGE.