I Remember

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Psalm 34:18 NIV

A friend’s daughter posted on social media that she had been pregnant and lost the baby. My heart hurt for her. I know in part how she feels. I have miscarried twice. I remembered those feelings from long ago.

I earnestly prayed for her as I remembered my own loss. The loss of dreams for this little one, the loss of holding the baby in my arms, the loss of wondering who the baby looks like, the loss of a sibling for my children, the loss of completeness for our family on earth.

I texted with my friend, the girl’s mother. It has been years since we lived in the same town. I expressed my concern and prayers for her daughter. I shared that I had miscarried twice. My friend said, “I remember.” Those two words touched me deep inside. I cried. After 27 years, I wondered if anyone remembered. Some heartaches we may carry in our hearts alone. We keep moving through life, but the loss remains.

Jesus said, “God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted (Matthew 5:4 NLT). God comforted me at the time through family members, friends, church family and His Spirit. He comforted me recently with my friend’s words, “I remember.”

Have you suffered a loss? Do you have a pain deep in your soul? God will comfort you. Even if no one else remembers or you have never shared your loss or hurt with another person, God knows—and remembers.

He also records your pain and your tears, even those shed in solitude. You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book (Psalm 56:8 NLT). Each sorrow, each tear is important to God.

Father, I pray for each person hurting today. Wrap Your loving, comforting arms around them. Thank You for walking with them, even in the valley of the shadow of death.

Terri Vardeman