A time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance. 
Ecclesiastes 3:4 NIV 

In the old South, mourning used to be a big deal. No decent Southerner would be sent to the hereafter without a lengthy ceremony and an even more extended period of mourning. Women wore black hats and dresses, swishing the sweltering air with hand-held funeral fans. Men wore black suits and ties. A black wreath was hung on the door of the bereaved family’s home, and all the mirrors were covered in black crepe. Most importantly, folks respected the privacy of families who had suffered loss. Like almost every aspect of modern life, however, send-offs these days are often short and sweet. Friends and family come by to offer covered dishes and sympathy, and those who mourn are expected to bounce back and get on with life, whether they are ready or not. But Jesus understands a broken heart and draws close to those who are hurting. He said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted” (Matthew 5:4 NIV). 

FAITH CHECK
Mourning lays a crushing burden of separation upon us, but God lifts our burdens and cradles our hearts. 

 

This month, we will share excerpts – like this one – from Sweet Tea for the Soul: Down-Home Devotions to Comfort the Heart! We hope these comforting devotions and Scriptures encourage you to slow down and experience God's peace all month long.