Article March 3, 1986 Issue

Rising above tragedy

THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR

We watched entranced as the shuttle Challenger rose into the clear Florida morning. Seconds later it was obvious that something was terribly wrong. There was an explosion, we saw the rocket separate, and the space mission came to an abrupt halt.

After the initial disbelief, we shared the shock and the tears of all those who witnessed the scene, whether at the launch site or at home on television. Then we asked ourselves what we could do in a time of tragedy such as this. Is there anything that can be done to help heal the shock and the sadness?

Obviously one of the first concerns is for the relatives and friends who are left behind. Christ Jesus said, "Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted."^{Matt. 5:4.} We can pray to understand more clearly that God, divine Love, is always present and that His presence can be felt by those in need, bringing comfort and strength to go on. Mrs. Eddy wrote compassionately to one who was bereaved: "Trust in Him whose love enfolds thee. ... Divine Love is never so near as when all earthly joys seem most afar."^{The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 290.}