A Miracle in the Midst of Grief

The message light was flashing, “Call Ellen*, it’s urgent.” In hushed barely audible tones, Ellen told me about the sudden death of her partner, John. Family and close friends were in a state of shock.

As we began funeral preparations, John’s sister told me about their lives. John was the oldest of four children with a mother and father who were unable to care for them. John became the parent for his younger siblings. He left school before eighth grade to support the family. Leading a family as a child and teenager took its toll on John and he struggled with alcoholism in his adult years. However with the support of his sister and many friends he found his way to stay clean and sober. This was the John we knew at Agape Fellowship. He was available and helpful. Always laughing and joking, John made the rest of us laugh even on the darkest days.

The funeral included time to cry and lots of opportunity for laughter. At the end of the eulogy there was a time of silent reflection planned during which the song, “On the Wings of a Dove” would play. For some unknown reason (some were certain it was John’s doing), the music did not play and the whole congregation was left in complete silence. Suddenly from the back a man stood up and began to sing “On the Wings of a Dove.” It was a miracle that shook us to the core.

This gentle touch from God in the midst of our grief is now part of the memories of John’s life and a reminder to us at Agape that God still does perform miracles.