06/03/2012 ~May God Comfort All Those Who Mourn #Nigeria

Today started like a normal day. But it ended as a very dark day.

Today, 153 Nigerians lost their lives in a ghastly plane crash flying between the Capital Abuja to Lagos. Today, many families lost breadwinners. Today, many families lost wives....daughters......sons.....friends....mentors...coworkers.

Today, a woman who left the United States for her brother's wedding died, alongside her mother, her husband and her four children. Today, a woman and her son died.

Today, we seek closure, understanding.....explanations. Today, our ears are keen to hear that this disaster will be investigated....Today, we realize that nothing will be enough to heal the wounds that this incident left behind in the hearts of all those who lost loved ones.

Today was a sad day :-(

Its on a day like this that we are reminded of the most-forgotten lesson in life....that it is short. Its on a day like this that we are reminded of the inherent problems and incapacities of our own country, Nigeria. Its on a day like this that we unite in mourning to weep for the bodies that burned today with no help in sight. Its on a day like this that we lament on the lack of emergency services in nigeria.

Its on a day like this that we wonder if God is alive and if so, how could He let this tragedy happen. How could He let such pain engulf an already fragile country? How do we make sense of this? How do we go on trusting God?

I wish I had the answers.  No human being does. Only God. We console those who lost loved ones, knowing in the back of our minds that it won't be enough.

Having suffered tragedies in my life, I know that the only comfort that can be enough, is one that comes from God.

In times of sorrow and sadness, here are some Psalms that promise to give you comfort....to get you through time.....and to healing....

Psalm 30:5b

Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.

Psalm 31:24

Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for and hope for, and expect the Lord!

Psalm 23

The LORD is my shepherd,I shall not be in want.He makes me lie down in green pastures,he leads me beside quiet waters,He restores my soul.He guides me in paths of righteousnessfor his name's sake.Even though I walkthrough the valley of the shadow of death,I will fear no evil,for you are with me;your rod and your staff,they comfort me.You prepare a table before mein the presence of my enemies.You anoint my head with oil;my cup overflows.Surely goodness and love will follow meall the days of my life,and I will dwell in the house of the LORD

forever.

Psalm 9:9 

The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.

Psalm 34:18

The Lord is close to those who are of a broken heart and saves such as are crushed with sorrow.

Psalm 46:1-2God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea.

Psalm 18:2 

The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the hornof my salvation, my stronghold.

Psalm 126:5

They who sow in tears shall reap in joy and singing.

Psalm 22:24 

For he has not despised or disdained the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help.

May all the souls of all those lost in the Dana Airlines crash this morning rest in peace....May He give their loved ones and all those who mourn them the grace and strength to be comforted and to heal. 

May we all "cease to forget" the fleeting nature of life, to appreciate our loved ones while they are here and to live our lives while we breathe....NOW.

*This post is dedicated to all those who lost their lives today. May God accept you into His kingdom....Amen.

Stay Inspired.....

Here's the full story of the crash as reported by the Associated Press.