Emphasis Preaching Journal

She is a small-town mother who recently lost her son. She visits the young man's grave almost every day, sometimes twice daily trying to cope. Her grief is strong and palpable. Only a parent who has suffered similarly can know the intensity of a loss such as hers and understand also the concomitant guilt, fear, and feelings of inadequacy. Despite her unique pain, many townspeople, including fellow church members, criticize her frequent graveside visits. "She needs to get on with her life," they say.