Please Pray for the Biden Family

Reaction to the death of Vice President Joe Biden’s son, Beau, has been swift and heartfelt.

Why?

Politics notwithstanding, Americans are an empathetic people. Death and tragedy touch everyone, and so there is an immediate sympathy when something of this nature occurs. The fact that Vice President Biden has previously endured the tragic death of his first wife, Neilia, and 1-year-old daughter, Naomi, in a Christmastime accident back in 1972, only accentuates the compassion we feel for the Biden family.

While the vice president and his wife are grieving, so are his daughter-in-law and grandchildren. No one can quite prepare children for the death of a parent. Losing my own mom at age 9 taught me that difficult truth. Now Hallie, Beau’s wife, has the difficult task of helping the couple’s daughter and son process the loss of their dad, and of raising their children alone.

It’s been beautiful to see the outpouring of support the family has received over the past few days. Politics and agendas have been set aside. Instead, people have connected with the Bidens in their moment of pain and grief. Sincere condolences have been shared, and prayers have been said – from people on both sides of the aisle.

Our country is more divided than ever along ideological lines. That we can still come together, with love and compassion, at a moment like this is heartening … and it is good. It’s a reminder to us all that, despite all our differences, there is much that still unites us.

Many of you have lost a loved one to tragedy, whether illness or an accident. Life has been turned upside down and inside out. We cannot begin to explain God’s reasoning for allowing it, but we do know that “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18). If you, or someone you know, has gone through a life-changing tragedy like the one the Biden family is living through, I hope you’ll consider reaching out to us at Focus on the Family. We have licensed counselors ready to talk through what you’re experiencing. Please call us at 1-800-A-FAMILY. No matter who you are, or what you believe, we want to help.

Please join me in praying for the Bidens during this time.