Shootings and death have been in our national news in recent days, most notably in Tucson. Some of the reactions to these events have been...well, strange. It was a little hard to tell whether the televised gathering for victims was a prayer service or a political pep rally. I pray that the families affected found some comfort -- if not at the televised event, in their personal services. But, of course, as those who've had to walk through grief know, a funeral is just the beginning...
In our society, and even in the church, we often treat death like some "social indiscretion." When it occurs, we uncomfortably look the other way till the moment passes...or we say something inept that actually makes it worse for the person who has been plunged into grief.
God, however, does not look the other way from our sorrow. Christ came as a "man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief" (Isaiah 53:3), and He did so that "He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil" (Hebrews 2:14). That's what He did on the cross and in His resurrection.
Those of us who have had to walk this road can -- humbly and graciously, but surely -- help others better understand how to minister to people in grief. This is one of our reasons for writing the book, FINDING HOPE IN TIMES OF GRIEF, and for being so personally vulnerable in it. As 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 says:
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."
Let's pray for an awakening, especially in the church, of enlightened compassion toward those who grieve. God will be glorified through it!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
An Awakening of Enlightened Compassion
Shootings and death have been in our national news in recent days. Beyond concern for the victims and their loved ones,
In our society, and even in the church, we often treat death like some "social indiscretion." When it occurs, we uncomfortably look the other way till the moment passes...or we say something inept that actually makes it worse for the person who has been plunged into grief.
God, however, does not look the other way from our sorrow. Christ came as a "man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief" (Isaiah 53:3), and He did so that "He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil" (Hebrews 2:14). That's what He did on the cross and in His resurrection.
Those of us who have had to walk this road can -- humbly and graciously, but surely -- help others better understand how to minister to people in grief. This is one of our reasons for writing the book, FINDING HOPE IN TIMES OF GRIEF, and for being so personally vulnerable in it. As 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 says:
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."
Let's pray for an awakening, especially in the church, of enlightened compassion toward those who grieve. God will be glorified through it!
In our society, and even in the church, we often treat death like some "social indiscretion." When it occurs, we uncomfortably look the other way till the moment passes...or we say something inept that actually makes it worse for the person who has been plunged into grief.
God, however, does not look the other way from our sorrow. Christ came as a "man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief" (Isaiah 53:3), and He did so that "He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil" (Hebrews 2:14). That's what He did on the cross and in His resurrection.
Those of us who have had to walk this road can -- humbly and graciously, but surely -- help others better understand how to minister to people in grief. This is one of our reasons for writing the book, FINDING HOPE IN TIMES OF GRIEF, and for being so personally vulnerable in it. As 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 says:
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."
Let's pray for an awakening, especially in the church, of enlightened compassion toward those who grieve. God will be glorified through it!
Sunday, January 2, 2011
FINDING HOPE IN TIMES OF GRIEF
2011 has begun! I hope it's off to a great start for you.
For us, on March 1 Harvest House Publishers will be releasing our new book FINDING HOPE IN TIMES OF GRIEF, which Glenda and I were asked to co-author after our 25 year-old son died the day after we buried my father.
While we would have never wanted to be in a position to write such a book, we view this opportunity as being from God, for the purpose of helping others walking through the difficult, deep waters of grief. We thank God for the eternal hope we have in Jesus Christ, and pray that many others will come to know Him for themselves through this book.
FINDING HOPE is currently available for pre-release order through various booksellers, including Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/Finding-Times-Grief-Preston-Parrish/dp/0736930752/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpi_1).
We are grateful that Gary Chapman (author of The Five Love Languages), Evelyn Husband Thompson (widow of Space Shuttle Commander Rick Husband), the organization GriefShare, singer/songwriter Matthew West, Lysa TerKeurst (Proverbs 31 Ministries), and my friend Franklin Graham have been kind enough to give endorsements.
To read an excerpt of the book, go to this url:
http://harvesthousepublishers.com/books_nonfictionbook.cfm?productID=6930758
Also, in connection with the book, we have launched a new Facebook page titled "Finding Hope in Times of Grief." The purpose of this page is to give people who are walking through grief a place (virtual) to share their questions, struggles, and insights, so that they can receive encouragement in experiencing the hope that Jesus Christ offers. If you want to check it out, the link to this page on Facebook is: http://www.facebook.com/FindingHope.
All of this to say - we would surely appreciate your prayers for the ministry of this book and site, and also your help in telling others about it. Grief comes to us all at some time or another. When it does, the "solid rock" foundation of hope in Jesus Christ is what we all need!
Our God is strong, and mighty to save. May He richly bless you during this New Year!
Friday, March 5, 2010
Spring 2010
As you can tell, I'm an occasional blogger. It's been awhile since I've posted, but...
THINK OF ALL THAT'S BEEN HAPPENING IN THE WORLD AND HOW MUCH LIFE HAS CHANGED FOR SO MANY PEOPLE!
Economic pressures, earthquakes, and so much more --
What are your thoughts on the effect of all these events and developments?
Why are they happening?
What do they mean?
How has your own life changed?
What have you learned?
What are you doing differently?
Surely you're not just cruising along doing the same ol' same ol' -- that's hardly possible!
So weigh in (figuratively speaking...this isn't THE BIGGEST LOSER!).
Looking forward to hearing from you,
Preston
THINK OF ALL THAT'S BEEN HAPPENING IN THE WORLD AND HOW MUCH LIFE HAS CHANGED FOR SO MANY PEOPLE!
Economic pressures, earthquakes, and so much more --
What are your thoughts on the effect of all these events and developments?
Why are they happening?
What do they mean?
How has your own life changed?
What have you learned?
What are you doing differently?
Surely you're not just cruising along doing the same ol' same ol' -- that's hardly possible!
So weigh in (figuratively speaking...this isn't THE BIGGEST LOSER!).
Looking forward to hearing from you,
Preston
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
MEDALS OF FAITH: Living in a way that adds luster to the Gospel (Part 5)
An Attitude of Gratitude
The beginning of 2009 is a good time to focus on gratitude.
"You're crazy!" some might say.
"After all, things in our country and world are a mess -- in fact, worse than they've been in decades. And you don't understand what I'm facing personally. This is a time for fear, and desperate measures!"
Well...that statement is partly right. I don't fully understand what others are facing. In my experience, those who attempt to reassure someone in the midst of difficulties by glibly saying, "I know what you're going through," generally don't.
However, I do know what I'M going through, and what I've been through. And, more important, I know the One who faithfully carries me and all who cast their cares upon Him (see 1 Peter 5:7).
I know that He knows; I know that He cares; I know that nothing is too hard for Him; and I know that He is everlastingly committed to the well-being of those who cling to His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.
During the course of my own "long (albeit imperfect) obedience in the same direction," I have experienced the utter truth of Romans 5:1-5:
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
So especially at this time, I think the best plan of action is to "rejoice in the Lord" (Philippians 4:4)and "in everything give thanks" (1 Thessalonians 5:18), knowing that this is God's will for us in Christ Jesus.
This makes perfect sense. Why? Because our "life is hidden with Christ in God" (Colossians 3:3)and nothing -- I repeat, NOTHING -- that we face diminishes His majesty, glory and grace one iota.
And, if you think about it, it's really only in the hard times that offering Him our praise is a true sacrifice. Heaven lovingly and approvingly smiles when, even as we hurt, we demonstrate the faith required to view the trials of this world from the vantage point of the next.
Hope this helps you during 2009 -- it's certainly what I need to be dwelling on.
Stay sharp,
Preston
The beginning of 2009 is a good time to focus on gratitude.
"You're crazy!" some might say.
"After all, things in our country and world are a mess -- in fact, worse than they've been in decades. And you don't understand what I'm facing personally. This is a time for fear, and desperate measures!"
Well...that statement is partly right. I don't fully understand what others are facing. In my experience, those who attempt to reassure someone in the midst of difficulties by glibly saying, "I know what you're going through," generally don't.
However, I do know what I'M going through, and what I've been through. And, more important, I know the One who faithfully carries me and all who cast their cares upon Him (see 1 Peter 5:7).
I know that He knows; I know that He cares; I know that nothing is too hard for Him; and I know that He is everlastingly committed to the well-being of those who cling to His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.
During the course of my own "long (albeit imperfect) obedience in the same direction," I have experienced the utter truth of Romans 5:1-5:
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
So especially at this time, I think the best plan of action is to "rejoice in the Lord" (Philippians 4:4)and "in everything give thanks" (1 Thessalonians 5:18), knowing that this is God's will for us in Christ Jesus.
This makes perfect sense. Why? Because our "life is hidden with Christ in God" (Colossians 3:3)and nothing -- I repeat, NOTHING -- that we face diminishes His majesty, glory and grace one iota.
And, if you think about it, it's really only in the hard times that offering Him our praise is a true sacrifice. Heaven lovingly and approvingly smiles when, even as we hurt, we demonstrate the faith required to view the trials of this world from the vantage point of the next.
Hope this helps you during 2009 -- it's certainly what I need to be dwelling on.
Stay sharp,
Preston
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Summer Update
Pictured: First daughter Hannah with our granddaughter AnnaPreston, who is "too cool for school" in her first pair of summer shades
I'm still here! And, despite appearances, we'll be continuing our confessions and musings on "medals of faith" in the days to come -- an "attitude of gratitude" is next.
A funny thing happened enroute to writing those reflections: I stumbled into Facebook! Of course, I've known about Facebook for quite awhile, but hadn't really spent much time in that realm. I've been doing it for a few weeks now, though -- not really because I didn't have anything else to do, but for two other reasons:
1. I'm intrigued by the mindset behind "social networking," and I'm seeking to understand it especially for its potential in evangelism; and,
2. I have a teenage daughter and I'm trying to stay savvy on the ways of her peers. I'm especially determined that "boys" (and, yes, I'm calling them that diminutive term on purpose) understand that I am an inescapable factor to be reckoned with if they choose to so much as glance in my daughter's direction! (Hey, I can say all this, because I'm a male and I've had two sons :-)
At any rate, if you too do Facebook, look me up there. Otherwise, keep dropping by here from time to time for more thoughts from my walk with the Lord through this out-of-order world. And, of course, feel free to share your own comments anytime.
Stay sharp,
Preston
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