In a recent writing, Rev. Gary Nelson tell us of a tragedy in his congregation. A young parishioner's body was discovered in the woods where he had died of a self-inflicted bullet wound. Rev. Nelson reports his feelings:

"As I leaned against a tree near his body, I felt terror and rage well up inside... The feelings spewed forth as a prayer to God.... 'God, I will teach these kids; I will play with these kids; I will help these kids, but by God, I will not bury these kids! If this is what you want then I quit! Find someone else!' Suddenly, it was as though the woods themselves were alive. I could hear with something other than my ears... It felt like God was answering me by reminding me that life was going on, that God was pulling me and all of creation forward.... I could feel God's presence. God's answer to me in that moment was simply but profoundly that I was heard, I was not alone, and that God would get me through this. I felt it, I knew it. God's presence was as real as the frozen figure lying near me."