Life is a gift from God AMY. Our children, family, friends, neighbors, and strangers are all gifts to be savored. Although some days may be full of hardship and sadness, each breath, heartbeat, and thought illustrates THE BEAUTIFUL GIFT OF LIFE. We must keep the positive memories alive and THANK GOD for the blessings in our past, present, and future. “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Corin. 9:15)
We will experience many feelings in new ways. Sadness, guilt, despair, anxiety, fear, hopelessness, longing, anger, and frustration will likely run through our minds. Our feelings need to be expressed AMY, but always remember that they are “JUST FOR THIS MOMENT.” This gives us hope and permission to have different feelings at a later time. Let’s write a letter to our loved one or keep a journal of our feelings. The “WHY” and “WHAT-IF” questions we can ask over and over in our mind. At some point, we realize that we cannot understand the DIVINE NATURE OF BIRTH OR DEATH. So, we must embrace living without an answer by TRUSTING AND EMBRACING THE MYSTERIES OF GOD. “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corin. 5:7) Helen Keller (who was blind and numb) expressed it like this, “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be FELT WITH THE HEART.”
Sometimes we must let the tears flow AMY, What is it about tears we are afraid of? It is human to cry. Crying helps us to heal. Cry with friends, family, and alone. Don’t be surprised when the grief “FREIGHT TRAIN” runs over you. Just be in the moment, and it will pass. Struggle through your emotions and you will find RELIEF FROM THE LORD AS YOUR REWARD. There is a, “A time TO WEEP, And a time to laugh; A time to mourn, And a time to dance;” (Eccl. 3:4) “His anger is but for a moment, His FAVOR IS FOR LIFE; WEEPING MAY ENDURE for a night, But joy comes in the morning.” (Psa. 30:5)
We should talk to people about our loss and pain. We must not hide or deny our feelings. Let others know that we need them and ASK FOR PRAYER. Consider writing a letter to family or friends outlining our needs. Be patient with those that don’t know what to say. Talk about loved ones, and share precious memories. Be grateful for those with the courage to hear our pain and stay with us on this journey. Always remember we MUST ALWAYS TALK TO GOD THROUGH PRAYER. “…out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” (Matt. 12:34) “I know the thoughts that I THINK TOWARD YOU, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, TO GIVE YOU A FUTURE AND A HOPE.” (Jer. 29:11)
-Bill Stockham