It’s been almost three years since covid struck. I know for myself and many of my friends, we have difficulty placing past events now and can’t remember if they were pre-covid or post covid! I tend to assume that if they were normal, happy events, they were probably pre-covid and try to connect them to other things that were going on so I can identify the year! It’s as though two years of our lives just disappeared into a blur…
And this year there has been talk of war, rising inflation and financial insecurity, the threat of a long cold winter with highly priced fuel and possible power cuts – not exactly business as normal! So, many of us have literally spent the last three years in fight or flight mode. Many of us have lost loved ones or suffered other losses – health, jobs, businesses, disappearing local shops and services that have been part of our communities for years.
With the sudden recent death of Queen Elizabeth II, the British people have now lost the one person who provided a sense of constancy and stability throughout that difficult period. She was in it with us – even to the point of having to sit alone at the funeral of her husband of 73 years…
The majority of people have known her as Queen for their whole lives and, as she got older, she has become like the nation’s much loved grandmother. However, this loss has opened the door to grief and people are sad and crying openly, with no one needing to ask why. Personally, I feel this can do nothing but good for the nation. The “stiff upper lip” of the British people is renowned, but it is healthy to mourn too. I’m sure that for many, it is a relief to have an outlet for ALL that has been lost or has affected us these last three years. The process of going through a period of national mourning and a state funeral will provide a focus and channel to let out much of the stress and sorrow of recent times.
The Queen’s Christian faith sustained her throughout her life and this time will also provide something of a signpost to Jesus. It’s a shame that the Church of England tends to be overly “high” and religious at times like this, but I hope that local vicars and pastors will convey the simple message of salvation to anyone who comes through their doors with questions.
I clearly remember the aftermath of 9/11 and the need for people to express their shock, sorrow and fears for the future. Many churches were open for reflection and to offer support. Though evil acts, and even death itself, are brought about by the presence of the enemy of our souls in this fallen world, the increase of darkness makes the light seem even brighter. I hope and pray that many will turn to the one true King, Jesus, at this time. He is the only one who has all the answers we seek.
The Finished Work 