http://www.fivedoves.com/letters/june2006/hope63.htmHope,
You are in our prayers. My family just went through something similar, except it was my cousin. He was a very successful, extremely bright and likeable lawyer. He had just begun early retirement, when his wife (from a 2nd marriage) announced she was divorcing him, and through her attorneys he found out that she was after half of his pension. This woman broke up his first marriage where 4 little children were scarred for life. Now she was going to dump him and take him to the "cleaners" too. My cousin was in so much agony over ever having married her, and determined not to loose half of his pension to her. He was 2 months away from his 60th birthday, which would have made the pension plan eligible to his wife. So, rather than allow that, he took his life! The ultimate divorce court strategy!
It was such a shock to the family. Hardly anyone knew that they were beginning divorce proceedings, much less that my cousin would be the type to even consider killing himself. We all felt the same way. If only we KNEW, ALL of us would have dropped everything to come to his aid. Such a senseless loss. Suicide is permanent solution to a temporary problem. If only people could remember that when passing through those dark nights of the soul.
Lesson Learned? This is why God hates divorce. It hurts. Its violence to the heart. The sense of betrayed trust can be overwhelming. If someone you know announces a divorce, re-arrange your schedule and personal plans to spend time with them, even if they insist that they don't want it. Help them through it. Never assume its no big deal, because it might be for them.
May God comfort you during this time of bereavement, and give you assurances that your brother is safe in heaven with Him. And when you are ready, may He answer your prayers with a most excellent job opportunity, working with wonderful co-workers. May He restore your sense of hope about the future.
Maranatha!
Deborah
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