Category Archives: Hope

 Is this not exciting times? Who would have thought Facebook would be a place you would see an abundance of gospel messages. I rarely looked through facebook streams because of the post content.  Now I see scriptures and encouraging words posted all over, you could almost do a daily devotion from them.  When contemplating this article I chuckled thinking – I could just use facebook posts.

      All of our lives have been affected in some manner by the coronavirus, COVID-19. We as people who follow Jesus have the opportunity to shine, to not let COVID-19 be a bushel over our light.  To walk in peace with calm assurance in our Savior and not give into panic, fear, and irrational decisions; to not consider just our needs and hoard everything for ourselves, instead to reach out to others in their need. It reminds me of the early church, where they were, from their own resources, meeting the needs of each other. It’s an exciting time for the church to be the church outside the church walls.  To demonstrate what we see in the Bible; to not just read it – but to do it. Hmm, have an extra role of toilet paper or bag of rice – drop it on the front porch of someone that doesn’t have any.

   The phones not dead; let’s celebrate its invention and brighten someone’s day with a call. It’s great we don’t have to lose contact with our family, friends, or neighbors. Perhaps it’s time to reach out to those we’ve lost contact with to reconnect. We can let others know they’re being thought of and prayed for; leave them with encouraging words to ponder. Perhaps our own day will be brightened and gloomy clouds dispersed.

   The Lord told us He works things for good; just look at all the churches that are now streaming services online for their congregates, and the world, to watch while staying home.  The internet is being flooded with the Good News, which is going around the world. Is that not exciting! My church had talked about streaming our services but never got there, well…we are now. Adversity is a good motivator to propel us forward into doing things.

   Then there is the prayer. Everyone is calling for us to pray, from the President down. What a time for us to humble ourselves, pray, and seek God.

   As we rise above the negativity, kicking doubt and fear to the curb, we’ll be able to hear God speak more clearly and view things in a better light. This time shall pass, let’s make the best of the opportunities we have.

The Lord bless you and watch, guard, and keep you; The Lord make His face to shine upon and enlighten you and be gracious (kind, merciful, and giving favor) to you; The Lord lift up His [approving] countenance upon you and give you peace (tranquility of heart and life continually). Numbers 6:24-26 AMPC

Normally when I hear the words “Good Grief” I think of Charlie Brown, not a reference to mourning.
Years ago, I heard a gentleman speak on losing three family generations in one accident: his mother, wife, and daughter. He tells of trying to hold on to the way things were, not wanting to face change, but found it was like chasing the setting sun; no matter how hard you run after it – eventually the sun will set, then you will have to face the dark night. However, if instead we turn to face the night – the dawn of a new day will arrive much sooner. I tucked away those words of wisdom.

My family were emotional stuffers. I never saw emotions over a death and those gone weren’t spoken of afterwards. It was like the person never existed and their life never mattered. I, too, learned to keep emotions in check, not realizing that the suppression of negative emotions also affected my ability to express the positive ones.

Why is it okay to express happy emotions over good things, yet not the sad emotions when hurtful things happen? Both are normal valid responses. To me to deny one emotion would seem to say God didn’t know what he was doing in making us emotional creatures. Jesus felt secure to publicly weep; why shouldn’t we?

I didn’t emotionally deal with my parents’ death for 13 years; once I did a heavy weight was released. With my husband’s passing I reasoned, I didn’t ask for it; But like it or not life will never be the same; that I would face the dark night and do this “grieving thing well”.

How does one grieve well? I have learned we all grieve differently; there is not a right or wrong way, or a designated time period. Grief is normal, natural, and necessary; grief provides a healthy way to cope with loss and what that person meant to us.

I’m learning good grief includes allowing ourselves to grieve, to be honest with where we are, acknowledging the loss – that it hurts, that our world has been turned upside down. I’m learning to embrace the emotions in a healthy way, giving myself time and space to cry, to mourn my loss; freedom to politely say “no I’m not okay” when a friend inquires; to not isolate myself, yet not over commit myself. To allow encouraging safe people in who are supportive; relying on the Lord for help; talking with others, reading encouraging material, attending bereavement and GriefShare classes. To give myself grace when I make mistakes and to well-meaning people who unintentionally say the wrong thing.
Though we may not like this season, let’s try to look forward with hope to the day mourning turns into dancing. Moving forward does not mean leaving the person behind, we take them with us in our hearts and the special memories we hold dear.

Trust the words of Jeremiah 29:11.