But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. (1 Thessalonians 4:13, NKJV)
"I'm sorry, but your mom has passed away." These were the words Mary heard while on vacation with her husband. Her mom had been in the hospital suffering from a disease the doctors thought she'd recover from. A few weeks later, this same precious woman would get the news that another one of her family members had also passed from this life. I was able to see Mary in person a couple of days after the family had gone through the second death in 2 weeks. The thing that struck me about her the moment I saw her was her ability to still trust the Lord. She knew who her sustainer was. She knew where her strength came from. Though she was (and still is) hurting, the grief wasn't enough. It wasn't enough to make her stop trusting God. She's clinging to that hope that she knows won't disappoint...that won't leave her side. Are you suffering from the loss of a loved one today? Let me encourage you, don't grieve as those who have no hope. Mary knows she'll see her loved ones again one day.
Father, I lift up my readers today. I pray for each of them who may be going through loss. Hold them close to Your side. In Jesus name, Amen.
Mary is one special lady (and so are you!) Thank you for sharing this word of encouragement today. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteI love your insight, Jamie. Thanks for offering a reminder that we are never alone. And thanks for the prayer. I'll always take them! Hugs, R
ReplyDeleteA beautiful message and reminder to hold on to hope. My family is remembering my father's brother (my uncle) this week so your words come at a perfect time. We will celebrate his life this weekend together. He is now home with his mother, wife and son...and with God. He is in a far better place. Thank you for your prayers. Blessings.
ReplyDeleteI love the way you put this, the grief wasn't enough... Such a powerful thing to believe that God is greater than our grief.
ReplyDeleteLove your thoughts Jamie!
ReplyDeleteTrusting faith clings to the One who promises to wipe away tears and never leave nor forsake us.
Keep on trusting dear friend!
He truly is the father of all compassion and the God of all comfort. Bless your sweet Jamie and bless you for being there for her.
ReplyDeleteLove, Hester ;)
Blessings Jamie! The grief is surely not enough to separate us from our Abba. I learned that when the phone rang in the dark one night, bearing the worst news I could imagine - my father's suicide. Not even being abandoned by my earthy father was enough to sever my relationship with my heavenly daddy.
ReplyDeleteDeb,
DeleteI can't imagine that kind of loss. But the more I learn about life, the more I believe God loves the broken-hearted. That includes both your father and all who suffered the excruciating loss of him.
Praying for God to walk with you. I'm sure it's not a loss you ever get over. But praying for God to use it and you to be a blessing to others.
Loved this! So comforting. Loved your phrase "Grief wasn't enough"...
ReplyDeleteJamie, this is beautiful. Thank the Lord He has given us the hope of glory and the promise that nothing will ever separate us from His love. Love you Jamie girl!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing a glimpse of Mary's story, and for the reminder to pray for her. Love you, Jamie!
ReplyDeleteJamie,
ReplyDeleteYou're right. I'm hurting. I miss my mom terribly. I miss my father-in-law calling to check on me. But you're also right. I trust God.
The timing of their deaths (2 weeks apart - one a surprise, the other in hospice care) was stunning in it's pain. But it makes me believe more that God is in control.
He wouldn't have allowed it if it were going to destroy us. So I have to trust Him to walk us through this deep valley.
We greatly appreciate prayers offered for our families. And yes, there is hope in God and God alone. :)
Love you, Jamie.