Tears of Empathy

Sunday Robert and I returned to the Christian Missionary Alliance church about 4 blocks from our apartment.  An elderly couple share the pupit, in the English speaking service, once a month.  I missed their previous sermon.  Antonio spoke on the first few words of Psalm 23, “The Lord is my Shepherd.”  He did an excellent teaching contrasting the images of 
Lord and
Shepherd.  Then Betty took his place and continued the sermon.  She talked about how the last time they spoke, a month ago, it was on suffering.  The very next day she had gone to the doctors for a checkup.  After a number of tests and consultations, they learned she has breast cancer.  She talked about how her husband was suffering most due to his great love for her.  The tears started trickling down my checks.  It was one of those times when there’s nothing I could do to stop them.  They continued through the last song.  I don’t know why I have such a strong emotional response.  I think part of it was the fact that our dear friend, Rena Bitzer, was within the last hours of her life after several years of battling cancer.  Robert reached over and gave me a gentle hug.  As we left church he said, “That’s why I love you.”  It wasn’t until later that evening we learned that the good Lord had taken her home to heaven Sunday at about 1:30.  We hurt for her husband, Rich and their precious daughters, Ali and Carley.  They could use all our prayers.