Too Much...

Wall at Ithaca Falls in Ithaca, NY  copyright C. Schroeder, 2011, All rights reserved

There is a verse someplace in Hebrews I believe, that says God never gives us more than we can handle.  Sometimes I wish I could still embrace that with youthful exuberance and enthusiasm, facing the challenges as adventure.  But the truth of the matter is, that sometimes there is far too much pain for a person to handle.  Sometimes people suffer from mental illnesses that can cause immense emotional pain.  Sometimes there is physical pain that is overwhelming and beyond endurance.  Sometimes life piles too much on one person's shoulders, until he or she is bowed down and overwhelmed, unable to continue...up against a wall. 

A dear friend's niece took her own life yesterday.  The young woman had suffered deeply for many years, and she couldn't bear it any longer.  Last spring, another dear friend's partner took her own life as well.  She too had suffered in unimaginable ways.

Many prayers are rising for the families and friends.  May God's grace and mercy carry each one through this painful time, easing the heartache, granting them strength as well as the ability to grieve this terrible loss.  And may their hearts heal.  I just know that young woman is at peace, released from the awful pain she endured.  God's love holds us all.