Last evening Dr. Charles Lowery was speaking for Woodlands Church. My friend, Olive Moore was greeting folks as they entered the sanctuary. We chatted for a moment after the service began and she shared a powerful experience she had at Tres Dias at the end of February. It was during a prayer time in the chapel, when participants and leaders were praying for one another one on one. There was intense prayer and many tears. Olive wondered, “How can there be so much pain and so much love in one place and all at the same time?” It seemed inconceivable, and so ironic. But then she looked up and the cross caught her eye. Then it hit her full force, that’s what happened at the cross, when the depth of God’s love met the breadth of human suffering. It was the intersection of  humanity’s worst with the best God could give. When she shared the moment, it hit me as well: love flows freely into the depths of grief.

As I contemplated this truth, the words of an old song came to mind. “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”-

When I survey the wondrous cross

On which the Prince of Glory died;

My richest gain I count but loss,

And pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,

Save in the death of Christ, my God;

All the vain things that charm me most,

I sacrifice them to his blood.

See, from his head, his hands, his feet,

Sorrow and love flow mingled down.

Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,

Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

Were the whole realm of nature mine,

That were an offering far too small;

Love so amazing, so divine,

Demands my soul, my life, my all.

Lord, let us enter the pain of others, confident we will find your love. As grace abounds to meet the full measure of sin, let love abound to meet the pain.