First Baptist Church of Herndon

Contrasts

Linda Soller | Sep 07, 2015

Yesterday my father’s side of the family celebrated the 100^th consecutive family reunion at Mt. Horeb Church not too far from Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia. Two weeks earlier in the same general area, a man, unhappy in life, shot two people on the morning news. I spend a fair amount of time writing about the similarities of things, but today I find myself pondering contrasts.

The area of both events is a rural one in the rolling hills, kind of in between Roanoke and Lynchburg. The church where the reunion is held each year is very small with a cemetery to one side and an open sided shelter to the other. It really hasn’t changed much from when I was a child. Our journey down to the reunion wasn’t my favorite because I always felt car sick. From a child’s perspective it was a long way to go for a short period of time to see many people I didn’t really know. Even with that I knew what it meant to my Dad. We heard the same stories about his early childhood, trips to the market in Roanoke, and barreling down the hill in his wagon. His family lost their home to fire and moved to Northern Virginia, but his parents’ hearts were always back home. My grandparents are buried in that little cemetery, and despite years of complaining I do feel connected to the place. I am blessed with a loving family with wonderful memories, and this time we made the trip in memory of dad.

Flash back to the two female relatives of the gunman who faced the public to apologize for the gunman’s actions, and offer their condolences. The same quiet country area will always represent something horrible and tragic to them. They can’t really morn their own loss without having to deal with the public judgement. What kind of family raises such a troubled man? Could they have prevented it? Were there signs they missed? Their apology was given calmly, sincerely, and I could see the pain in their faces. They most likely have wonderful family memories too, but it will be hard for them to overcome this most recent event. As the days pass the story of a troubled person surfaces. We will never have all the answers, just the ones he chose to leave us.

Two extended families sharing experiences in the same small part of the world in stark contrast. One family drawn by love and devotion to celebrate their connection to each other and the lives of those who had gone before them. The other family drawn by sadness and a sense of responsibility to explain, to understand, a tragedy. My heart went out to the two women who stood in front of the camera trying to ease the pain of total strangers, while inside their hearts were hurting for the one they lost. They accepted the difficult task because the gunman was family. God gives us families. They come in different shapes and sizes. Some thrive, some struggle, most have a mix of the two. Families are often excellent examples of contrast, and yet they share a common gift, God’s love. No matter what your family is like, or what you are called to do as part of your family, remember God’s love is the great bridge that units families everywhere.

Here’s to another 100 years of family reunions! :o)  Linda