An Emotional Week for Families of the Missing

Let your hopes, 
not your hurts, 
shape your future.
Robert H. Schuller

You may or may not have seen the news within the past few days. Yesterday I saw an article reporting a new search for missing Sara Anne Wood. This search is happening in Massachusetts, in hopes of finding the remains of Sara and James "Jamie" Lusher. Anytime I read about a search for a missing person, I say a prayer for God to lead the investigation and search. I say prayers for the family, friends, and community who are affected by this news release. 

This week, Sara Anne Wood's name is more common in the news because of the Ride for Missing Children. This annual ride celebrates its twentieth year on Friday. A ride inspired by the Mr. and Mrs. Wood, and their friends as a way to increase awareness and bring our missing home. I can't imagine the emotional range of ups and downs Sara's family, friends, and community feel this week yet I know one thing...extra prayers this week. 

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Today I saw a pot and read an article that a different search in Monroe County, New York. This one for Brian Sullivan, missing since July 8th, 2007. Another family waiting, hoping, and praying they may get the answers they've desired for years. 

It's a challenge to know how to pray in circumstances like this. The first and foremost thought and prayer is that our loved ones may finally be found. Then there is that part deep within that families of the missing think, "If this is him/her then..." As I read some of the articles, I read with precaution because just because something is in print doesn't mean it's all truth. 

To know these families, I read in order to know how I can pray for them and those close to them. Articles generally have elements of truth and aspects of the case, investigation, search, and occurrences are covered yet there is almost always more to the story than what we read. I know this first hand, media attempts to get information out in a quick manner, so they are the first to report on a story they know is close to their reader's hearts. Yet, because a missing person case is a "case", not everything can or should be shared with media and family to keep the integrity of the case in tact. 

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My heart is heavy for the Wood and Sullivan families. As we join our Ride for Missing Children Family tomorrow, and this weekend, emotions will be on high. So many praying for Sweet Sara and the search happening in a neighboring state. Another family praying for their Brian. Each year there are new families of the missing at the Ride, and many we have come to know on a more personal level. I'm sure some of the conversations will be focused on the renewed searches in these older cases as we spend time together before and after the ride.


I also know, while searches and waiting are happening...HOPE AND FAMILY will be the focal point. We thank the cyclists who have prepared and trained for months for Friday's ride. If you think of it, will you say a prayer for the Wood and Sullivan's, for their friends, family, and communities. 


To wait while law enforcement and search teams look for your missing loved ones make a minute feel like an hour...I look forward to waiting with a group of individuals who understand without a single word spoken. 

Thank you for remembering our missing...prayers to bring them home!