Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Praying - Hoping - Grieving; The Life of a Mining Family

The look on Gov. Manchin's face tells the story of a long week in a coal mining community in WV. Our hearts and prayers go out to the families and friends of the victims of the coal mine explosion on April 5, 2010 in Montcoal, WV. The community - as well as the state, nation, and world - started praying once the news was released of the mine blast that had taken the life of seven miners; two injured; and 22 who were missing. All were praying for the safety of those missing and that the would be rescued. Sadly, the week went from hoping for a miracle to the realization that 29 men had lost their lives. Last week was a week of praying - hoping - and now the grieving has begun.


In the beginning, the extraction of coal from the earth was generally done close to the surface. As the realization of the importance of coal and the impact it had on the economy and the industrial aspects, new techniques needed to be used. Holes were dug into the side of the moutains when a vein of coal was located. In the early days, birds were placed in cages to help warn the miners of the "bad air" that could cause their deaths. If the bird died, then the miners had better leave that area Ventilization pland have been put into the mines to help with these problems. Modern technology has meters that read the air qualities, which is suppose to help the miners. None of these new and modern tecnological means are 100% safe. Miners enter the mine each day not knowing if it's for the last time.



A coal company provided not only a job but a unique way of life for the miners and their families. Since most of the mines were located too far from established towns, the coal companies built their own towns and provided inexpensive homes, a company store, a church, and often recreation facilities for the miners and their families. Because of the need for daily supplies from the company store, a simplified method of bookkeeping was established, using coal scrip.

These communities became a means for generations to support their families. Grandfathers, sons, grandsons, uncles, nephews, and as the years went by women went into the mines day after day. Many families lived in the small houses near the mine until transportation became more available and cars were affordable. The mining camps soon became a thing of the past as they were once known.

I had many family members who worked in the mines and ended up with "black lung." They worked these mines before many of the safety features they have in place today were implemented. Granted, there is probably a lot that still needs to be done to make working in the mines even safer. It appears to be a never ending battle for all involved to come up with plans and keep them updated in making all mines safe.

As I heard a miner said today on the news: "You know what could happen each time you enter the mine, but it is how I support my family. You just have to push these thought of what could happen to the back of your mind and not think about them!" The fear that the miners and their family, as well as the mining community, live with has to be a heart wrenching decision to stay where they are - especially after a mining accident.


When I look at a picture of the entrance of what many of the coal mines in WV use to look like, I wonder how can anyone go into that dark hole in the side of a mointain? Not all mine entrances look like this now, but in the beginning, this was what they faced when going to work. Yes, many changes have taken place, but most mines are still entered by the miners riding a mine car deep into the side of the mountain!



The final trip from the mine for these 29 miners was a sombering scene for all who witnessed it in person or on the news. These men were hard working men who were trying to make a living for their family doing something they knew the dangers that went along with this job. We pray that they are at peace and that their families will find comfort as they go on with their life!



There are many miner's prayers, songs, and tributes out theie that could sum up what it is like being a miner and/or a member of his family. A song has been running through my mind for weeks. It is a song with a message that we could relate to - things happening in our lives whuch may be turning our lived upside down. They may not be of the magnitude that these miners' families are going through, but our lives are still in turmoil.
"When You Believe" is an Academy Award-winning song composed by Stephen Schwartz for the 1998 DreamWorks animated feature The Prince of Egypt. It is one that stays with you once you heard it.

A couple of weeks ago we saw Celtic Woman in concert. This was one of the song Chloe sang. It was mesmerizing. Their are many others who haave sung it, but Chloe's voice is the one I hear. This was the song that has constantly been going through my head since I heard Chloe sing it on stage!!! If you haven't heard her, Mariah Carey, whitney Houston, just to name a few, sing it -please do so. It gives us hope that whatever may be weighing heavy on our hearts if we believe, miracles may happen.

Saddly, the miracle that we all were hoping and praying for did not happen. Why? It was not in God's plan! Yes, this is hard to understand, but we must believe in His Word!


I am going to post the lyrics for this song and pray you will believe in miracles!

When You Believe

Many nights we've prayed
With no proof anyone could hear
In our hearts a hopeful song we barely understood
Now we are not afraid
Although we know there's much to fear
We were climbing mountains long before we knew we could

Chorus:
There can be miracles when you believe
Though hope is frail, it's hard to kill
Who knows what miracles you can achieve
When you believe
Somehow you will
You will when you believe

In this time of fear
When prayer so often proved in vain
Hope seemed like the summer birds to swiftly blown away
Yet now I'm standing here
With heart so full I can't explain
Seeking faith and speaking words I never thought I'd say

(repeat chorus)

Who knows what miracles you can achieve
When you believe
Somehow you will
You will when you
Believe

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Saying Sorry

Wednesday - April 7, 2010

Have you ever thought about how many times you've said "I'm sorry" in the last week, month, or year? What prompted you to say those words?? Did you really mean them or were they the words you felt needed to be said???

Many times during my teaching career I witnessed students saying "sorry," but realized it was only words to them. It was a way of getting out of trouble - or so they thought!!! As a very young child I remember many times my brothers and I (well maybe my twin and I) would do something and we would tell Mom we were sorry. Was I really, or was it a ploy for me to get out of trouble? Hmmmmm - at the time I think it was a way to get out of trouble, but I was also truly sorry about what I had done - maybe because we got caught! I think that's typical with most kids!

When you say sorry - do you really mean it, or are they words you feel obligated to say? Had you thought ahead, would you have done, said, or not done the deed that prompted you to say those words? Why do we say or do things that we know will hurt someone and then expect those magical words take away the hurt??? Sometimes the hurt is too deep and it will take a little time to let that hurt heal!

The quote from Love Story - "Love never means you have to say sorry" has been quoted many times. I really don't think we should take the quote literally. Even with the ones we love, albeit a hard love, we may do or say things that hurt, but in the long run we pray it will be for the betterment of that person!

For those women, or men in some cases, who have an abusive spouse, friend, or family member - do they really mean they are sorry for what they've done to you?? Many times it is a way of getting you back. They want complete control. When will you realize you have had enough???

To those people who voice their opinions - whether asked or not - knowingly they will upset and hurt some one's feelings, do you ever stop and think before you speak? Many times I have heard some of these people say I am just being honest. This may be true, but did you really have to say what you said at that particular moment? Being honest or truthful are fine traits, but when do you really need to voice these comments. To say something you know will intentionally hurt someone just because you can is not good. I have worked with many people who did this not only to the kids, but the adults as well. Was anything ever accomplished because of this "honesty?"

I am a person who carries her feelings on her shoulder - always have and probably always will. Even when teasing by loved ones gets out of hand, yes my feeling are hurt and the tears start flowing! I know they don't mean to "hurt" me, but it still happens! The "sorries" are said and all is well - but the hurt is still there for a short time!

A friend of mine and I were talking on the Internet last night -we both want to help others fix their problems - even those who have a tendency to be "mean and hateful." Why do we do this? This is just our personalities - friend or foe - we try to make the world a better place for everyone. Doesn't God want us to shower everyone with love and understanding and to show them the way all Christians should be?

I try so hard to please all I love; to make their life a little better; and many times I have no idea if they even care! I'm sure they do - they just don't what to say or do. Many people have tunnel vision and only see what they want to see or feel. We can't take care of all the problems, but we can pray for all of those who need it!

When Bill and I first got married, we made it a promise never to go to bed mad/upset. If anyone does, tomorrow might be too late to say "I'm sorry!"

You might wonder what has prompted me to write this blog! The last two weeks I have noticed how many "young" people have passed away. Some due to extended illnesses, others suddenly with no apparent known cause! Most were good Christian people who were living their life according to God's will. I have read comments written to many of the family and friends of these young people, and the words "I'm so sorry" has been said hundreds of times. Those who wrote the words, I am sure, truly meant them, I am sure they will give comfort to the families.

There are so many young people out there right now who have been hit with the realization that tomorrow may never come for those they know and love. Always let those you love know they are loved! You may never get another chance to say that in this world! Never leave yourself in a position where you need to say I'm sorry, and never actually say it! Sometimes these situations can fester just like a sore - don't let that happen! Life can be too short for some!

The viewing tonight of one of these young persons will have so many young people there. "I'm sorry" will be said so many times with each person saying it really meaning it! The family will be comforted in knowing their loved one was loved and will be truly missed. These young people are sorry also in that they will not have another chance to talk with their sweet departed friend. Life as they knew it will never be the same.

May God be with them all - family and friends - and comfort them as they accept the loss of a loved one.

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Taking Life as It Comes and Trusting!

Thursday-April 1, 2010

Taking life as it comes can be difficuly at times! In order to do this we must come to terms of reality - we do this by trusting God regardless! Conditions will never be perfect and waiting for them to be is not realistic. We must put our trust in God regardless! We don't need to waste our time in doubt - we must trust Him and obey Him!


Many things have been pressing into my thoughts this past week – actually they have surfaced to the top of my thoughts. I have not been able to sleep well and felt if I wrote these thoughts down it would help me to accept the things I cannot change! I have always been one who has tried to make all things good for all those I love – family and friends. But, there is a lot I cannot do to make that come true for them. Who do I think I am??? No, I really don’t think I can do it all, but I just try to do what I can to make everyone’s life as peaceful and smooth as possible. I do know who in charge and who helps guide us and helps us find the peace we all seek! Why as humans do we think we can take care of everything?

I have witnessed the power of prayer. God is the One is charge – always has been and always will be!!! I pray for God’s guidance every day, but there are times when my emotions just take over and I try to help! Patience is certainly not one of my strong points when it comes to getting a problem “fixed” for my loved ones! I pray that they all are well, happy, have what they need, and live the life God wants us all to live. HE is our Savior and the reason we will have everlasting life, without Him we would be nothing!

I have many concerns that involve my family – what family does not have concern – and have been praying for all! I know God has a plan, and I need to be patient and remember He knows best. Granted, some of the results may not be what we want, but He tries to help us if we will allow Him to. There is so much I continuously pray for while driving back and forth to Mom’s, laying in bed when I wake up, each morning, noon, night, and all times in between. I guess I think the more I pray the closer to the problems and worries will be resolved. They will be resolved on God’s time! So I pray that I will do what God wants me to do and accept the things I cannot change!

Even with all my concerns and worries, I have many things to be thankful for – Mom celebrating her 90th birthday; Cora celebrating her 1st birthday; the love of all my family; the understanding and support of Bill as I go back and forth to Mom’s; the joy and love I have for Dink and Mike as well as their family and John’s family too! I feel so blessed and should be on top of the world – and to a certain degree I am. I just would love to have everyone on top with me!!



This week a former pastor of ours lost his granddaughter at the age of 30. She had battled cancer for the last five years. When I read a journal she and her aunt were writing it made the tears flow. The pain and heartache she and her entire family were going through had to be heart wrenching for them. However, their faith held them strong as was evident in the journal entries. Yes, they questioned “why” this was happening, but accepted that it part of God’s plan. They all knew that when this precious daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, and friend did leave this world it was to be entering her heavenly home and into the arms of our Lord and Savior. She was an inspiration to many and that her belief was what helped her and her family. The pain is there because she is gone, but they know she has gone on to her reward in heaven.

It is hard to lose a loved one, but when we know they are a child of God’s and believe in Him and his Word, we know they are no longer in pain and are with their heavenly family and someday we will be able to be with them for a glorious reunion. Sometimes we have a chance to tell our loved one good-bye and that someday we will be together again. Other times we don’t get that opportunity. I truly believe that through prayers they know we love them and know that it was time for them to go Home to be with God! Knowing they are no longer in pain and have gone to heaven, it is still so hard not to hear their voice, see their smile, and listen to their laughter. I know this is selfish, but it is hard to let go.

This family is such a good Christian family – her grandfather and uncle are pastors; her mother is a music director at their home church; and the family sings beautifully together singing praises to God. This family is hurting but rejoicing at the same time. They know where their loved one is now, and she is no longer in pain. My prayers are with this family as they adjust to life without this precious young lady who believed in God with all her heart. She knew He had a plan and she accepted her part in His plan.
I am going to post a link for her journal. Be warned – it will cause tears to flow, but your heart will be joyous with the faith she and her family had/have!

loveyourguts is the journal kept by the brave young lady – Sarah Beth Napier
http://www.loveyourguts.com/

This post is not only written for Sarah Beth’s family, but for all who have gone through or are going through losing a loved one. It still hurts and saddens me when I think of Dad and John, but I know they are in a far better place and no longer in pain!

Psalm 18:2
The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation.