Like all good seventy’s kids, scouting was a big part of my early days. An afternoon spent fashioning “sit upons” out of old newspaper, yarn, and contact paper still stands out in my mind. I’m pretty sure that if times got tough, I could still whip up a four-star foil packet dinner complete with dessert.
Despite all the good times wrapped up in those memories, one day (including the day that I earned my “Skating” badge) stands out. It was a field trip. Our troop boarded a rented bus and made the two and a half-hour trek from Shreveport to Dallas. We were on our way to see the Pompeii Exhibit that was touring the nation.
To tell the truth, I don’t really remember being that excited to see the exhibit at the time. It was just another excuse to board a dingy bus and hang out with the cool kids. And – I’m sure there was some sort of badge involved.
Yet here I sit forty-something years later still mesmerized – or maybe haunted – by that trip.
In case you aren’t familiar with the ancient city of Pompeii, here’s a quick history lesson. Pompeii is located in Italy less than an hour’s drive from Naples. In the year 79 A.D., Mount Vesuvius erupted and buried the city. Literally – the city was buried under a mountain of ash and pumice. And if that were not terrifying enough – volcanic gases reaching temperatures of 1000 degrees or more engulfed the city on the following day. The inhabitants of the time must have thought that hell was raining down upon them. After being abandoned for almost 2,000 years, archeologists began to study the ruins of Pompeii and were stunned at what they found.
When archeologists peeled back the layers, they found evidence of a once opulent city frozen in time. The ash and stone stopped its citizens in their tracks. Yet, the same destructive forces that demolished the city preserved a moment in time.
A portion of the exhibit was especially poignant and stuck in my pre-teen mind. Archeologists preserved a cross-section of the site that showed people mid-stride, attempting to run for safety.
This scene is such an agonizing picture of actual grief.
When tragedy rains down upon us – the uncertainty engulfs us like lava and hot dust swept over the ancient citizens of Pompeii. The fear of what comes next shrouds our sight like a veil of ash. That weight of loss stops us in our tracks – paralyzing our minds.
If we are not careful, the heavy weight of grief can encapsulate our hearts. Freezing us in time. Turning our hearts to stone.
On the flip side, the heavy weight that slows our step and the dense atmosphere that shrouds our hearts can become the thing that preserves us. Taking a beat and a breath is needed in the heat of grief’s moment. Unlike the residents of ancient Pompeii, however, we cannot remain frozen in time.
At some point, we must emerge from the ashes. God promises, “[to] provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.” (Isa 61:3) He has a plan to turn our suffering upside down and inside out. His plan is greater than simply plucking us up from the dust and brushing off the soot.
In the very next breath, the prophet Isaiah shares more about God’s glorious restoration – “They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.” (Isa 61:4)
If you have struggled under the weight of grief and troubled times for too long – God has not forgotten you. He has a plan for you. He will prosper you. He will sustain you. He will carry you. He will rescue you.
You will dance again – even if with a limp.
Dear Father,
This world is broken. Troubles rain down upon us all. Our globe is engulfed in famine, war, and pestilence. Your people are hurting. We are crying out for you to pluck us from the ashes.
Thank you for your promise to restore us as your chosen people. We rest in your assurance to rebuild us all as your royal priesthood and a holy nation.
Chip away the stone that encapsulates our hearts. Let us bask in the light of your Son. Unfreeze our steps. Fill our lungs with the breath of your Holy Spirit.
Dust us off. Straighten our crowns. Let us dance again.
All this we ask through your Son, Jesus Christ.
SDG
