The Mourner's Path - a journey I didn't think I needed or would finish
"In Jerusalem during the time of King Solomon, there was a path around the Jewish Temple for mourners to walk. As others in the community would notice those in grief, they would offer solace by saying, "May God comfort you among the mourners of Sion and Jerusalem."
Loosing my Paw Paw was the single most difficult event in my life this year. Growing up he is in the middle of so many of my great childhood and adult memories. He was simply an amazing man who is terribly missed and loved by so many. I guess if I lived back in the days of King Solomon I would have spent the first month walking the path around the Jewish Temple (pending I was Jewish I suppose). The sadness after he passed was intense and anything seemed to bring on the tears. THAT I was not used to, nor was I expecting to last. But it did. I heard of the Mourner's Path 8-week class, and despite never in my life doing something like this, I signed up. What could it hurt? The program is a Christ-centered group support system... focused primarily in joyful living through such sadness. I was one of eight in the class... and all of our stories were different. I, along with another lovely woman, had lost my loved one most recently in terms of timeframe. It had only been a month.
My travel schedule didn't allow me to attend all eight weeks, but I did my best. And I made the final night... last night... and for that I am eternally grateful. Do I feel different after going through the class? Not really... but maybe a little. I don't feel the urge to cry as frequently as I did before. I've made some good friendships with individuals who are currently walking the same journey that I am. Some of that could just be a result of the time that has passed (its been 3 months now). I don't know. But I do know I was supposed to be in that class and meet those people. I know that. Last night we were introduced to our "Prayer Partners". Ok this part was simply amazing. Before the class had begun, eight individuals (who have also gone through the program), committed to praying for us EVERY single day over the eight weeks. Prayers for our healing, our joy, everything. How awesome is that? Someone prayed for me, without every meeting me or knowing my story, every day for eight weeks. Her name is Jan Fultz.... and she is my angel. She also represented the Prayer Shawl ministry earlier that evening when she came and game me my prayer shawl. Again.... amazing. These women made the most beautiful crocheted shawls, praying throughout the project for the individual to whom it would be given. Wow. When I had received mine, Jan and I started talking about my Paw Paw and my Maw Maw and how she was doing... and Jan says "You know... let me have your Maw Maw's name. I'm going to bring you a Prayer Shawl for you to give her." Seriously? My heart could not have been more overjoyed. And then to find out she's been my Prayer Partner the past two months. God is amazing. Simply amazing.
So... to recap... The Mourner's Path is a great program. I'd recommend it to anyone who is going through that lonely and heart-wrenching journey. www.mournerspath.com is the website if you want to learn more information about it. As driven as I am, I rarely finish things like this. I'm really glad my feet were guided through this one. And before I forget... all of those prayers... THAT is what helped the sadness to slowly go away. So yes, I do feel different.
 |
| The Prayer Shawl I was given |
About the Author
_picnik.jpg)
0 comments