I took a drive down memory lane yesterday. I was in the car alone for a couple of hours. We had purchased a vehicle new to us and I was in our car and Jim was driving the new truck. It was a three hour drive and sometimes (for short times–not all the time) it is good to be alone to think and listen. I popped in a CD that was one I listened to every time I was in my car after I experienced the sudden loss of my husband, nearly eleven years ago.

January 29, 2010, my life was changed forever. For several months after Blair’s death, I listened to one CD album in my car every time I drove anywhere.

While driving  yesterday, I listened to that album again. A Jars of Clay album called “Redemption Songs.” Timeless hymns not often sung any longer, set to completely modern music. As I listened, my mind and body went back those eleven years. The sick feelings of loss came back. And for while, I was back in that time of loss.

I am in a happy spot with my husband Jim. We are together most of the days and we enjoy each other so much. Yet, I hold our days together lightly in my hands because in a flash, that can all be taken away.

Here’s the link where I listened. Click here : “O Come and Mourn With Me Awhile (Our Lord is Crucified):

O come and mourn with me awhile

O come near to the Savior’s side

O come together let us mourn

Jesus our Lord is crucified

This song reminds me of what our Lord did for me–and you. I imagine His disciples would have been comforted with this song while they mourned for Jesus. Three days later, He rose from the dead. But they didn’t know for sure that would happen.

For me, the words come mourn with me awhile, reminded me of my most recent loss eleven years ago. You might be grieving too. It might be the loss of a loved one, or someone you love is mourning a loved one. It could be loss of a job, loss of a way of life, loss of an election, we must set aside a time to mourn.

We are reminded there is:  a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,

Jesus reminded us: Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

The prophet Isaiah said, comfort all who mourn,

Where are you today? Are you grieving a loss? Do you fear the future? Is there hope for our deeply divided nation?

Take some time today, to reflect on your losses as I did yesterday. I shed some tears of memory. I sang along and remembered. My period of mourning after the shocking loss, took time. Mourning time.

What are you mourning today? Whatever it might be, take the time to mourn. Talk to Jesus. He is there, right alongside you. He knows your broken heart. It will be good for your soul.

If you have not yet experienced the painful loss in the death of a loved one, it will one day happen.

I invite you to listen to the link above. Click the blue link and it will take you to Youtube and you can listen to what I did yesterday. Take the time.