Grieving with Hope

It was a bit of a rough weekend.  I got a text from Carlos Sunday morning early that one of the mom's of one of our art school students had passed away.  This was not just a mom of one of our student's but a friend and a neighbor. Many of you know her and have prayed and supported her and her family over the years. Her name is Albertina. Above you can see a picture of her with 3 of her kids, Cristian, Milton and Yeimy.

She had been sick off and on for many years but yet I was surprised because I did not know that it was at this point.  It is always hard when someone passes away.  It hurts, it sucks and it seems wrong.

My heart aches and I grieve. I grieve for this family that will be without a mom and wife.  I grieve for many who will not have this friend.  I grieve for this culture where this happens way too often because of lack of medical attention, resources and many other reasons.

So we cry and we grieve with this precious kids who are more precious to Jesus.  We pray and walk with them through their pain.  We grieve yet not without hope.  We have hope not because we have all the answers or know how to help this family in this situation.  We don't have hope because we can relieve their pain. We have hope because we know the God of hope that even in the midst of horrible grief and pain can bring hope and joy.  We have hope because of Jesus and his sacrifice on the cross to bring us eternal hope.  That is why we exist, that is the hope we can offer.  This is the hope that will change the world. Give Hope!