As a teacher, I've walked through some trying times with students. I've been there to comfort, when hands are sore and minds are weary. I've been there to encourage, when older brothers are mercilessly teasing the practicing sibling. I've been right beside students, as their dear ones have grown up, moved away, gone to war, married, had the first children, etc. Through this all, I've learned so much about the human heart and about the worth of sharing my own when another's soul is needy.

Tonight, my teacher's heart was grieved more deeply than I've ever known in the past...my best student. Receiving a call late tonight, I heard an emotion-burdened voice saying her brother was killed yesterday in Iraq. For several moments I couldn't speak...a few seconds found me scarcely able to draw breath. I didn't know what to do, but I knew I had to go tell the girl I loved her and that I was more sorry than I even knew how to express. I've known them all now for the past fifteen years.

The family's home is only four minutes from my own, and I went there tonight with my mother and brother, Brent. The family clung to us, and it seemed the hands that had wiped away a multitude of tears would never let go of the strength to be found in our embrace. Oh, how we cried...

On the table was the boy's last portrait...steady eyes, handsome face, gentle expression. I was greeted by the last gaze of one who had reached a mere twenty-one years, my own age, and something deep inside me started to pulse with a terrible pain. What must God have thought, as He watched His Son be sacrificed for those who could not save themselves?

One thing is certain; He is well-acquainted with our grief, and He has known every sorrow. "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18 Pray for me, as I strive to love a precious girl through the darkest days her soul has ever known. We've always been like sisters, and I feel as though a part of my heart has lost a brother, too.