When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained; What is man that You take thought of him?
-The Bible
this is it. exactly.
I’ve written.
I’ve read.
But this one statement made by a grieving mother says it perfectly.
I wish all the people who spoke in unkind ways after losing my son, which did nothing but make me hurt worse, could read what this mother said after her child’s death.
Even 10 years later, it is still true.
I am still trying to figure out how to be happy and sad at the same time, hopeful and devastated, looking forward while still looking back. – Jess McCormack
7 things.
If you’ve lost a child, please read this written by Angela Miller.
“7 Things I’ve Learned Since the Loss of My Child”
http://abedformyheart.com/blog/7-things-since-loss-of-child/
mysza831 / Foter / CC BY
friday quote.
never alone.
The Creator of the universe stepped down into humanity and touched it with love.
God promised us He would never leave us or forget us.
Even when you are alone, He is with you.
It may not feel like it, but it is true.
Because God said it.
begin again.
Each leaf began as a tender bud.
The spring green emerging against the blue sky made the birds sing.
Happy children played under the green canopy, protected from summer sun.
In time, there was a chill in the air and the sun set sooner.
Purple, gold, and crimson dotted the landscape until one by one, each leaf fell to the earth.
Their purpose did not end here, but they blended with the moist earth to make it rich with nutrients.
Skeleton-like trees remain dormant, at rest for a season. This is not their prettiest moment. In fact, they look dead. But they are not. Winter quiescence – where roots are resting but ready – is extremely important for the health of individual trees. Root systems reach deeply in search of water and nutrients.
And each spring, it begins again.
Our lives are like that. Each season has a purpose. You may be feel alive and productive. Or you may be enduring a time of feeling barren and empty.
Whatever your season is, wear it with confidence. And always remember, you can begin again.
friday quote.
the power of being thankful.
There is real power in being thankful.
We know how to exercise our body to improve balance, tone, flexibility, strength, and over all health.
Did you know there is an exercise for our minds? If you feed it with dwelling on your situation, it is the same as not reasonably taking care of your physical body.
When I become overwhelmed with discouragement, everything looks grim. But when I pause and think about the beauty in the midst of sorrow, it lifts me out of despair. When I choose to give someone more benefit than doubt, I am a happier person.
That’s because I have not allowed that situation access to destroying me. Being thankful for the good that has come my way gives me a better outlook on life.
This isn’t “positive thinking”. It is a deeper, genuine, heart-felt moment of gratefulness.
Our emotions have a purpose, but we can’t live with them being the sole navigator of our thoughts. God gave us emotions (he has them, too) but he also gave us the ability to think reasonably.
You might have good reason to be angry. Set it aside for 1 minute. Let your thoughts go to what you are thankful for.
Dealing with tragedies do take longer. There is horrific, destructive pain out there. No one who loses a loved one is comforted by thinking (or being told) “at least you had them for a time”. No. You want them back and that’s all you feel.
It’s okay. God is not in a hurry. And what I have found is he brings small moments of brightness to your life when you aren’t expecting it. Gently and softly he touches your wounded heart with tender care. People often do not do this for us so don’t be upset. Some people expect more from Christians. It’s understandable because we expect compassion, care, and essentially, love. It is what it is. Don’t let people define how God does things.
You can conquer the reality of your situation through how you think.
Practice being thankful and watch what happens.
scripture friday.
God hears.
Have you ever tried to pray but couldn’t?
The words just wouldn’t come out.
God doesn’t look at the outside …
… he looks inside our heart.
It’s alright if there are no words.
God hears you anyway.
when it hurts 