This has been a heartbreaking week for families in Tumbler Ridge, for B.C. and for the whole of Canada. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone who has been touched by this tragedy, especially those who lost loved ones.
It is a sad irony that ‘World Kindness Day’, Valentine’s Day and Family Day all fall in this next week. We certainly need all the love, kindness and support available to us to face the shock of violence and the anguish of untimely death.
Tragic loss - even when it happens to someone else - can feel overwhelming. Don’t hesitate to call if you would like to arrange a visit to my office here at the church.
If you feel you need help immediately, some resources you might consider are:
• 310–Mental Health Support: 310-6789- BC Crisis Line
• Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868
• Foundry BC: foundrybc.ca
(Free and confidential mental health and wellness services for youth ages 12-24 in British Columbia and their families)
HelpStartsHere.gov.bc.ca:
search more than 2600 listings for mental health and substance use services in BC.
I take comfort in the words of Emily Dickinson:
‘This world is not conclusion;
A sequel stands beyond,
Invisible as music,
But positive as sound.’
And Psalm 30:5
“Weeping may spend the night, but joy comes in the morning.”
Wishing you peace and strength,
Rev. Jamie Bushell