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From Forest Lawn Chaplain Robert Fink...
The events of the past few weeks have changed life as we knew it. Our world is suddenly different. Family traditions are suddenly postponed. Community events and rituals are suspended. Education and work schedules and routines are anything but routine. We have free time, but it comes at the cost of loss of income for many. We are forced to abandon previous plans for gatherings, trips, celebrations of life and even gatherings for the dead. We are not able to be with and comfort the sick and dying. Little by little grief for our losses grows. We become aware each day how different life is with out our freedom, our ability to control or at least plan. We are reminded often during our day what we have lost.
Grief is real, our desire not to let go of what was familiar and predictable. Our awareness that we are grieving our losses does not take away the fear, anxiety the pain. As you wrestle with these unwanted changes, as you experience your inner feelings of fear, dread, feelings that your world is out control. Remember to look at the loved ones who surround you. Remember that you are surrounded by people who wish you well and rejoice in your strength. Remember that things will be better and you will be happy again. Remember to hold on to the hope that lifts your spirit, remember to listen to the voices of those who love you, look up to you and find the people and places that bring you joy. The world will be different after we leave this place of grief and so will we, but we will find our hope has brought us thru the dark times. We look forward to being free from the dread that a virus can bring.
I am reminded of the words of Psalm 23:
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Even though I walk through 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 me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.