Read Matthew 5:3-10
January 19, 2009 was a day that changed my life forever. My wife, Lori and I had just entered into a new chapter in our lives. Our daughter, Karen had married a wonderful man in September and I had just retired from Montgomery County after 35 years of service. We had planned our first winter vacation to the Caribbean since my job did not allow out of state travel.
The day started off like most, Lori got up early to go to the gym and then off to work. I had decided to take a couple of months off before looking for a part time job or doing volunteer work. She called me before lunch to say she was going to Hagerstown for a meeting and wondered where the snow came from since the weather man hadn’t forecast any. I made a couple disparaging remarks about weathermen, told her I loved her and would see her at dinnertime. Around three o’clock the door bell rang and there were two state policemen asking if they could come in. These were the first of many angels that began to take care of me. Of course, I could have never imagined the news they were bringing me. I think I only heard every other word, “50 vehicle accident, blinding snow squall, tractor trailer, is Lori Shipley your wife?” The troopers were compassionate and professional, offering to stay with me, make phone calls or anything I needed. I made the calls I was able to make and then waited. My parents arrived and some of my other family came to help me, my Calvary Church Family.
Over the next few hours all of Lori’s family and mine arrived, but my Calvary Church Family just kept coming and coming. It was dark, it was cold, it was wet, and the evening wore on but it didn’t matter; God’s angels kept coming. They did everything; made phone calls, brought food, gave hugs, shared tears… you name it. A couple of them were a thousand miles away and within twelve hours they were hugging Karen and I.
This was only the beginning; Calvary was there for us at every turn. No matter what I needed someone was there to reach out and help. This did not end after a few days, not after the memorial service, not after a month, not even after a year. When Karen announced she was pregnant, I knew the twins were going to have more ‘Grandmas, Aunts and Uncles’ than we could imagine. I find it very easy to get caught up in details at church like taking care of the facility, budget problems, new programs etc., but when your church family lifts you from despair and carries you; it is like no other feeling in the world. This experience has taught me the real power and value of having a church family.
Prayer: Lord, we mourn for Lori, who set an example for us in her prayers, her presence, her gifts, her service, and her witness. We are thankful for our church family, which she did so much to build, that blesses us with comfort in your name. Amen.
Prayer concern: those who mourn.
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