Letter to Mitch
Posted by James MacDonald on August 9, 2007 07:03 AM | Comments (8)Grief is a powerful, penetrating, persistent pain that takes a long time to heal--if it ever totally does. There are however many healthy ways to deal with our grief, ways that warm our hearts to God and encourage those around us. One of the deepest losses I have ever experienced was when a young man, a dear friend of our family named Mitch Swaback, went suddenly to be with the Lord in his early twenties. It was three years ago today. Here is a letter I wrote as part of my grieving on the first anniversary of his home-going. I hope it helps someone struggling with their grief.
Dear Mitch:
A year ago just now you were headed out on another one of your countless adventures. How could you have known that the next sunrise to fall upon your eyes would be in glory? It was just an ordinary day for you, some fun with friends in the great outdoors but even as your car crossed into Wisconsin, your Father in heaven was rising from His throne and opening His arms of love to you. Were you shocked to wake up in heaven, Mitch? Did you make a scene about your work not being done down here? We made a scene for a while but God continues His gentle work of acceptance upon our hearts. We're not there yet, but we're making progress.
It's tough being stuck in time. I bet you feel like you have only been gone a few minutes but for those who love you, it's been a long year. In fact, it's a year ago today that you went to heaven; do you even know stuff like that anymore? I don't suppose you're keeping track, but we sure have been. Do you have any idea about the impact you are making here? People are coming to Christ, lives are being totally strengthened by your example of unrestrained passionate living. Sleeves are rolled up in meaningful ministry and generosity is flowing from hearts that refuse to mark time any more. It's amazing, Mitch--just like you. I was thinking this morning about the verse where Jesus says: "Unless a corn of wheat falls into the ground and dies it remains alone, but if it dies it bears much fruit." (John 12:24). Your life is like that verse, Mitch, and to see God working in such amazing ways through your home-going is a big part of our comfort, especially when we miss your laugh and hugs and loud, contagious ways.
I wish we could chat for a few minutes. We want to know all about heaven and what you're doing and how you're fitting in. I can hear you saying, "it's awesome, dude. You can't believe all we have and get to do." Never a dull moment I'm sure; so perfectly suited to someone like you. I picture you laughing right now and slapping people on the back. I see you rejoicing in a God who loves us enough to make heaven and offer entrance through His Son Jesus. Speaking of Jesus, have you spoken to Him personally yet? I bet you have. I don't see you spending much time waiting in line. Tell Him we miss you, Mitch, but that we are grateful for the strength He is giving us. Tell Him we're trying to trust and believe even when we don't understand His purposes. Tell Him we're sticking together and not letting our grief overwhelm us. On second thought, I'm sure He knows all that. Well, anyway Mitch, you are definitely not forgotten. You have made an amazing number of friends this past year without even trying. Your life is hard at work here. Keep working hard there, we know you will. Save us a spot right near you; we're going to have so much to talk about.
Much love from everyone, your friend,
Pastor James
Learn more about Mitch Swaback and the Mitchell Swaback Foundation here.
Comments
Posted by: don | August 14, 2007 01:57 PM
I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:
Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him."
The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.
---Lamentations 3:19-26
Posted by: Bob Swaback | August 14, 2007 02:23 PM
James,
Thanks so much for sharing your letter for many of us see. I remember reading this letter on the first anniversary of Mitch being with the Lord. What a blessing for my family to know Mitch was walking with the Lord and to continuely be reminded of the person he was. Thanks for being such a good friend to Mitch and to my family.
We love you,
Bob and Gaye Swaback
Posted by: kevin | August 15, 2007 04:13 PM
I was scanning through the radio stations, one afternoon, and came across a broadcast of "Walk in the Word".
I Heard a part of James' sermon, about "people Pleasing", I wanted to hear the entire message, so I called the Phone number,and ordered a copy of the C.D.
I have listened to that powerfull message over and over and over again. I also asked my wife to listen to that C.D.
James' message opened my eyes and my heart, and I new what my problem was...
I hate my job, and have been wanting to look for another job, I have been having problems in my marriage, and I feel like I've lost my faith. I dont enjoy going to church, like I used to, I took James' advice, and got alone with God, I received powerfull revelation from God, that I DO need to find a new line of work, and the problem with my marriage and family, is that I am the guy with the stick of dynamite.. I have been working very hard, to get back to God, and to get my life in order..
I just wanted to thank James for that powerfull message...
He brought me back to God, and helped me save my marriage.
Thank you James Very much
Posted by: Jason | August 16, 2007 09:53 PM
Big weepy mess. I'm serious.
I remember hearing a wise pastor say that when tragedy comes, that is not the time for teaching, that is the time for loving.
I totally agree.
But James you did both with this.
What a gift. What a God!
Jason
Posted by: Bruce | August 18, 2007 12:19 AM
I'm newly registered and would like to know how to find the message Kevin referred to on 8/15/07. His letter could have been written by me, and it sounds like a message I need to hear.
Thanks,
Bruce
Ed.-- Bruce, you can find this message in Walk in the Word's 30-day broadcast archive for a free download (but only for a few more days.) See dates: July 27, 30, 31. Or if you'd prefer to purchase a CD of the entire message, go to the Walk in the Word online store, or follow this link:
http://www.walkintheword.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=NMP01&Category_Code= .
Posted by: Cecil | August 22, 2007 05:11 PM
I'm glad this was posted. I lost a close friend in a hit-and-run exactly 17 days ago. Since then I've been sensitive to the impermanence of life, learning to cherish things of eternal value, holding loosely to all else. His departure is extremely tough on family and friends, and his community at large. But it's a wake-up call. This letter reminds me of the facts evident in God's Word -- that as a believer, Binil is with the Lord because of his decision to put his faith in Christ to forgive his sins. I hope all of us who grieve his loss are able to express their sorrow but realize the powerful comfort of Scripture as noted in James' post. Binil's testimony moves on .. emphatically capturing hearts for God's eternal kingdom purposes.
Posted by: becky | September 19, 2007 09:26 PM
Four years ago, my son was still-born. He was born and died on June 3, 2003. We buried him June 14, Father's Day Weekend. However, his actual duedate was September 23, this coming weekend, my Birthday. No matter how much time passes, you never get over losing your child - not entirely. I am very happy again, but still those milestone dates haunt me. Grief is powerful, and discovering this message this week was God in action. THANK YOU.
Posted by: Migdalis | September 22, 2007 12:03 PM
After 4 frustrating years of dealing with my daugther's school for special educaton issue,the message trusting God with injustice ministered my life tremendously.The message was at the perfect time.God Bless you,continue on your ministry without slowing down.