I passionately believe that everything in life happens for a reason, no matter what it may be, and those who love you will ultimately cradle and comfort you through those times that are crippling. Though life may not be simple, it’s what you take out of situations that is vital to the further progression of character.
I’ve never thought of myself as being brave or courageous situationally. Usually if a certain occurrence is potentially intense and avoidable, my lack of courage rears its mocking head, and I bolt. However, this particular occurrence was to be emotionally unbearable and absolutely unavoidable.
I was dating this certain young man, Daniel, for quite a while into the month of
July, and I was utterly smitten. As an added bonus, I had come to fall completely in love
with his precious family. We spent countless hours in one another’s company. In the summer of 2008, I was performing in a musical at a community theater in our neighboring town. I vividly recall having butterflies in my stomach before a certain show because I knew Daniel was going to come watch our performance that night, July, 18th, 2008. My anticipation caused me to be jittery and, interrupting my preshow nerves and make-up application, my phone rang. It was Daniel. I eagerly answered with a colorful tone of happiness resonating in my voice. Daniel was hysterically sobbing, crying that his dad had been in an accident out in the backyard, and he wouldn’t be able to come to the show. Before I could respond, I faintly heard a click at the other end. My show that night was the longest of my life. I went immediately to the Vanderbilt ICU to meet them.
Daniel’s father had third degree burns from his waist up. The next two months were likened, on many different levels, to an extreme roller coaster within every single
day.
A support system was automatically formed for both me and the family. Friends who I never thought would want to intervene simply offered me a generous hug, each one stating they cared. My family was overly supportive, doing anything they could to help with anything that needed to be done. Crying at night was recurring for a while, but my mom’s shoulder was the crutch for my heavily burdened head.
Robert Romans passed on the 11th day of August 2008. Emotions were raging. I was intensely angry, specifically at my Lord Jesus Christ. I couldn’t understand how He, the Ultimate Healer, could’ve allowed this to happen to us. Through the quietness of one of my sleepless nights, shortly following Mr. Romans’s funeral, I was filled with an overwhelming peace, a peace that I know couldn’t have existed outside of my Lord. I was subtly reminded of my favorite verse. “’ For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord,’ plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans to give you hope and a future.’” Jeremiah 29:11. Instantly humbled, I understood. Sure, it may not be easy, but there was a reason why this had occurred. Someone may have realized the fragility of life and been changed in order to impact others. Someone may have chosen not to wait any longer to show those they love how much they truly care and bind up the wounds of broken relationships. Someone was humbled by the realization that her Lord knew what He was doing and would carry her through this blazing desert of helplessness to the calming breeze of peace.
No matter what may happen in this never slowing cycle of life, there is a reason. My pain was ultimately bridged by the encircling arms of Christ to quietness and understanding. Nothing is an accident.