My bachelors degree was International Affairs with an emphasis on American Politics, especially the Presidency, so I have always been captivated by the men who have held this office, and how they responded to personal and national challenges. Great snapshot of history and reflection on the impact of trials and grief on marriage!
Something tells me that someone who just lost a child has gotten a blessing from your compassionate words.
On a lighter note, your mention of Pierce "affirmed" his election as POTUS, as a CPS Worker, I was always careful to follow the Bible's directions and, when testifying in court, I would always 'affirm' instead of 'swearing' to tell the truth. I could tell this rattled some opposing attorneys who had never heard a person simply affirm that he or she was telling the truth. It always gave me a feeling of competence and integrity to get a jury or judge to understand they could take it for granted that I wasn't lying under oath.
Thank you, Charles. The scripture you're referring to about swearing isn't very well known these days. I dare say most Christians aren't aware of it. Might be a good idea for a lesson one day...
I agree with your assessment at the end in noting that the death of his beloved son had to greatly affect Pierce's presidency. In her book, "Caravan of no despair : a memoir of loss and transformation," Mirabai Starr says this: "There is no map for the landscape of loss, no established itinerary, no cosmic checklist, where each item ticked off gets you closer to success. You cannot succeed in mourning your loved ones. You cannot fail. Nor is grief a malady, like the flu. You will not get over it.
You will only come to integrate your loss, like the girl who learned to surf again after her arm was bitten off by a shark. The death of a beloved is an amputation. You find a new center of gravity, but the limb does not grow back.
When someone you love very much dies, the sky falls. And so you walk around under a fallen sky."
Of course, those of us who know Jesus also know that in his grace and life-giving resurrection from death, we have eternal hope, but even that does not take away the pain of the loss.
Good morning Jason. I don't think I know anything about Pierce but I will ask my historian husband and children tonight. I agree with your reflections on grief and marriage, so thank you for tieing it to scripture. I can only imagine how devastating the death of Benjamin was to both of them.
My heart really goes out to this family. I can relate to this woman's grief for sure. And that's why I ask God to protect my family everyday, because that's the only way to ensure their safety. My faith also let's me know even that's not a guarantee. What a tragic story of pain and sorrow, and how this couple exemplifies marriage vows...And the importance of building an alliance with God our Father.
My bachelors degree was International Affairs with an emphasis on American Politics, especially the Presidency, so I have always been captivated by the men who have held this office, and how they responded to personal and national challenges. Great snapshot of history and reflection on the impact of trials and grief on marriage!
Something tells me that someone who just lost a child has gotten a blessing from your compassionate words.
On a lighter note, your mention of Pierce "affirmed" his election as POTUS, as a CPS Worker, I was always careful to follow the Bible's directions and, when testifying in court, I would always 'affirm' instead of 'swearing' to tell the truth. I could tell this rattled some opposing attorneys who had never heard a person simply affirm that he or she was telling the truth. It always gave me a feeling of competence and integrity to get a jury or judge to understand they could take it for granted that I wasn't lying under oath.
Thank you, Charles. The scripture you're referring to about swearing isn't very well known these days. I dare say most Christians aren't aware of it. Might be a good idea for a lesson one day...
I agree with your assessment at the end in noting that the death of his beloved son had to greatly affect Pierce's presidency. In her book, "Caravan of no despair : a memoir of loss and transformation," Mirabai Starr says this: "There is no map for the landscape of loss, no established itinerary, no cosmic checklist, where each item ticked off gets you closer to success. You cannot succeed in mourning your loved ones. You cannot fail. Nor is grief a malady, like the flu. You will not get over it.
You will only come to integrate your loss, like the girl who learned to surf again after her arm was bitten off by a shark. The death of a beloved is an amputation. You find a new center of gravity, but the limb does not grow back.
When someone you love very much dies, the sky falls. And so you walk around under a fallen sky."
Of course, those of us who know Jesus also know that in his grace and life-giving resurrection from death, we have eternal hope, but even that does not take away the pain of the loss.
I love that quote from Mirabai Starr. Thanks for sharing that.
Good morning Jason. I don't think I know anything about Pierce but I will ask my historian husband and children tonight. I agree with your reflections on grief and marriage, so thank you for tieing it to scripture. I can only imagine how devastating the death of Benjamin was to both of them.
My heart really goes out to this family. I can relate to this woman's grief for sure. And that's why I ask God to protect my family everyday, because that's the only way to ensure their safety. My faith also let's me know even that's not a guarantee. What a tragic story of pain and sorrow, and how this couple exemplifies marriage vows...And the importance of building an alliance with God our Father.
Thankful for these words, pointed but tender—truth and grace. Saving this one to come back to repeatedly.
Thank you, Kelsey. I'm glad you found meaning in it.
Another profound devotional, Jason! You helped me see Pierce in a much more sympathetic light.
Thanks for sharing this