I was so blessed this morning in our worship service. Today was a morning dedicated to hope and healing for those who have suffered loss, hurt, set back ie... the whole congregation. Because sooner or later life is going to offer up somethings that hurt way more than anticipated and leave a person really reeling. The service was full of songs of hope, and scriptures that offered the word and truth of hope, and testimonies of hope despite overwhelming loss and finally the message that God truly can heal the broken hearted and bring new life where there was only loss. Our pastor gave a wonderful message that shared many instances of this word of life sustaining, transforming and healing the wounded and then he offered to annoint those with oil, who would like to receive healing. This tradition represents a faith in God, that despite whatever comes, we believe God for sustaining power, healing and true abiding joy. He gave an invitation to come forward, and since this is not a normal thing in our church the people didn't exactly rush forward. Up came one or two souls, and then another. More began coming forward and the line got longer. As each person would receive prayer, more and more came into line and finally another minister stepped in to assist with the prayer and annointing. Tears flowed from my pastors face as he prayed for his flock along with a good percentage of the people in the church. Since these people are my church family, I knew many of the stories. Loss of spouses and children, sickness and infirmities, broken homes and broken dreams. Loss of income and loss of self esteem. Loss of home and country and loss of innocence through abuse. These were just some of the stories I knew. There were many I was unfamiliar with. What was very evident was this: People everywhere carry within them stories of pain and loss and hardship. What was also evident was the life giving faith of the body of Christ. People came forward with strength and dignity and an affirmation in their posture, that God is good, that he sees us in our affliction, that he has a purpose for our sufferings, and that we may be down, but we are not out, because our God is faithful. As our service came to an end, people were on their feet, hands on the heart or in the air, tears of praise and thankfulness flowing down their faces singing " He gives and takes away, our hearts will choose to say, Blessed be the name of the Lord." Let all God's people say Amen.