Grief

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Sometimes the news comes quick. Sometimes the news comes slow. No matter how or when it comes, grief travels in the wake of the news. Grief is heavy, weighty, a burden, especially when it involves someone deeply loved. Grief is not meant to be carried alone. It’s too heavy and may last a while—and that’s ok. That’s what family and friends are for, to share the load. Jesus stood outside the tomb of his friend and wept but He did not weep alone. It was a deep, human moment. “ Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted ” (Matt 5:4). If anyone knows how we feel in grief, it’s Him. But His grief did not linger long, as at the mention of his name, Lazarus came forth. We are not meant to dwell in grief, but should leave room enough for it. Let it run its course. Like the song says, “ Every Storm Runs Out Of Rain .” Another song says, “ The storm We will dance as it breaks The storm It will give as it takes And all of our pain is washed away Don't cry or be afraid Some things...

Arba'een of Imam Hussain

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Ok, I had to look this one up, but that’s ok because I learned something today that I did not know yesterday.

Today is an holiday called, “Arbaeen of Imam Hussain.” “Arba’een” means “forty,” marking 40 days after the death of the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala. 40 days is the time of mourning in Islam. This time is used to observe the establishment of justice and taking a stand against injustice, though interpretations of these details are disputed. Some observe peacefully, while others protest even with terrorism. Regardless, the Arba’een has been observed for centuries by walking to the tomb of Imam Hussain (with the exception of the 30 year ban of the holiday under the rule of Saddam Hussein, former president of Iraq). Significant eternal promises are attached to this journey:



One may think of this a kind of New Year’s observance, as 40 days is more than enough time to establish a habit, a lifestyle change. This is a day to do something different with the hopes of making an eternal impact.

What does God’s Unchanging Word promise to those who submit to Him? Are you a person of The Book? The Qur’an says: ‘O People of the Book! ye have no ground to stand upon unless ye stand fast by the Law , the Gospel, and all the revelation that has come to you from your Lord.’ (Sura 5:71) God spoke to the prophet Jeremiah saying, “You will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13)”

Would you like to study the Holy Books with me?

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