I am very, very sad at these times we live in…….people are not able to grieve like we normally have……it hits me hard.
Please pray fore the family of Midge (Margaret) Harwood. I just talked to her Mother Sylvia. Her and Frank are thankful for your prayers. Midge passed away today of COVID in Minot, North Dakota. Midge attend FBC in Reserve when she was helping take care of her Dad. Midge would send me notes of encouragement and told me she missed my sermons. I am in mourning.. Midge was such a sweetheart! In the photo above Midge is on the left with her daughter Donna. Every now and then someone will knock at our front door and ask to talk to me….today it was our lovely mail carrier. She is grieving the loss her Aunt who died of COVID. I prayed with her and she said the most difficult thing is not being able to hug and be with family. I also officiated a funeral service for a family today, they said she died of a broken heart because she was all alone in a nursing home for months. Today at the funeral only 5 were able to attend. Many of the family from out of state came and were unable to attend because of the LOCKDOWN. Even at the Santa Fe National Cemetery service only 5 people are allowed. One family member said, “I don’t understand, we flew in an airplane that was full of people with masks on, but only 5 can go to a funeral here in New Mexico?” Very sad, sad and challenging times for families. It breaks my heart. Grieving the loss of a loved one is very different in 2020. Anxiety is an epidemic. I try and do my very best for my God and people during these very tough times. I am thankful God sends people to our front door, just like the old days.
I now have nearly 20 friends with COVID.
We need to love all people like Jesus loves us.
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another:
just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.
By this all people will know that you are my disciples,
if you have love for one another.
–John 13:34-35
The favorite verse of 91 year old Sadie whose funeral I officiated today was: So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
