A Prayer

O God,


A colleague of mine, actually a teacher who retired a couple of years ago, committed suicide on Monday, but, of course, you already know that. She was only 59 years old, but then you know that, too. But, I guess the answer that you know but I don’t is, Where were you?

When I think about her, God, all alone and desperate and hopeless and exhausted, my chest actually hurts. You see, I know what that feels like. I know what it feels like to appear to the world that you have everything when deep inside you there is nothing but fear and chaos and loneliness. A little more than three years ago, her obituary could have been mine.

Why didn’t you whisper a little louder in her ear, God, like you did for me? Why didn’t you send friends and family that refused to let go? Her mother, God, why didn’t you send her mother to hold her together until the confusion and fear subsided?

Since it seems to me that you kind of let the ball drop for her here on earth, please, God, meet her in heaven and hold her tight and remind her that the scary stuff is over and that she can rest well in your arms.

Teach those of us who remain in this crazy world to care for each other rather than judge, to listen more than we talk, to speak and share honestly of our hurts and struggles and fears, to wrap our arms around one another until the pain eases.

Let her sleep, dear God. Let us all sleep well tonight; knowing that your Peace will comfort us, even on the darkest night.

Amen