chuck's son

This afternoon I received a letter from my friend, Chuck. He's a Messianic Jew who lives in Utah.

Chuck told me that his 20-year old son, David, was killed in Iraq as a result of a "non-combat" bullet wound. He told me, too, that his son's death is still being investigated by the military.

David died the day before last Thanksgiving, but I didn't know this until Chuck's letter arrived. I had not been expecting such news, and it stunned me.

I didn't know his son personally, but my heart goes out to Chuck and his family.

Chuck's faith is strong, however. For in spite of the pain and loss of a child, he's trusting in the Lord. He said that he was completely surrendered to God.

Interestingly, in Chuck's letter he reminded me of something I found to be very poignant. On November 11, 2003 (Veterans Day) I wrote in my journal that I felt a deep need to pray for the families of those who've lost a loved one as a result of the war in Iraq.

So when Chuck since learned that David died, and when he had been reading from my journal sometime afterwards, he was struck by the fact that I had been praying for his family, even without my being aware of it.

Chuck's son died about fifteen days after my November 11 entry. He told me that he felt this was something providential, and I'm sure he took comfort knowing that other Christians were already praying for him even in advance.

I believe this was God's way of displaying His loving hands of comfort and care to a grieving father.

David Berkowitz

February 23, 2004