Stolen glimpses of hope. These words were whispered to my heart as I lay in bed at 3:00AM, wondering what I would write about today. As a writer, I always want a few blogs in my draft folder, just waiting to be published. This alleviates any self-imposed pressure I may feel. As much as IContinue reading “Stolen Glimpses of Hope”
Tag Archives: #grief
The Strong Influence of Grief
Over the past two weeks, I’ve thought about the strong influence of grief in our lives and the one who makes me strong. After loss, grief shapes how we feel and impacts how we handle difficult situations. Recently, my husband went through a difficult medical situation, which we are still walking through. Although I’m relievedContinue reading “The Strong Influence of Grief”
Time is a Funny Thing
The concept of time can be such a dichotomy. As dinnertime approaches, have you ever turned around and said, “Where did the day go?” I sure have. It’s also interesting how sometimes a day can seem like forever, but then a year can feel like it went by in the blink of an eye. Yes,Continue reading “Time is a Funny Thing”
Walking Through Our Suffering
When we are walking through our suffering and are in the hard, dark places grief can bring us, we often feel like we’re alone on an island. But I want to encourage you today. No matter how you may feel, you are not alone! I will never forget the overwhelming sense of seclusion I feltContinue reading “Walking Through Our Suffering”
Moving On or Moving Forward
I bumped into an old coworker I hadn’t seen in a long time. We began talking, and she told me about a relative who had suffered child loss. The loss had occurred over 30 years ago, and she was deeply concerned that her relative had not yet moved on. When she said this, she immediatelyContinue reading “Moving On or Moving Forward”
Tears
For anyone walking through the grief journey, tears are one of the many emotions we frequently exhibit. As I found out recently, I’m still capable of shedding buckets of tears due to the death of my daughter, Melanie. I’m not entirely sure why this year hit me harder than previous years, but I didn’t fightContinue reading “Tears”
Always Loved, Never Forgotten, Forever Missed
Today marks 4 years since Melanie ran ahead to Heaven. She will always be loved, never forgotten, forever missed. Time is a funny thing because it seems like yesterday and forever all at the same time. While all loss is hard, child loss is a loss like no other, and although I may never understandContinue reading “Always Loved, Never Forgotten, Forever Missed”
Forgiveness
What is forgiveness? Forgiveness means different things to different people. It involves intentionally letting go of any resentment and anger you may harbor against another. Whatever the act was that hurt or offended you, it might always be with you, but working on forgiveness can lessen the grip it has on you. It’s been aContinue reading “Forgiveness”
Will You Be Bitter or Better
There is no denying that walking through grief is one of the most complex roads we will ever travel. Dealing with loss and figuring out how to manage through the myriad of emotions can take down the strongest men and women. Due to your loss, at some point, there comes a time when we haveContinue reading “Will You Be Bitter or Better”
Where Do We Find the Strength to Go On
No matter how long a person has been on this road, there are days we still find ourselves on the struggle bus. I don’t know about you, but I dread those times when grief rears its ugly head once again. Recently, a friend told me how strong they thought I was. Inwardly, I heard aContinue reading “Where Do We Find the Strength to Go On”
A Delicate Balance of Life After Loss
It’s been many years since I’ve been to the circus, but I’ve often felt that managing grief is a little like being in the circus. It’s not the fun part with clowns, magicians, circus animals, and cotton candy. No, it’s more like being a tightrope walker. With grief, there is a delicate balance of lifeContinue reading “A Delicate Balance of Life After Loss”
Child Loss is a Loss Like No Other
Friends, as you are reading this I am fighting the flu. I had hoped to be “up and at ‘em,” as my father used to say, and ready to share a new blog with you this week. But, unfortunately, I’m still in recovery mode which basically means – I’m still in bed with a boxContinue reading “Child Loss is a Loss Like No Other”
Reflections
As we slowly enter a new year, we wonder what 2024 will hold. Yet, at the same time, it’s also a time for reflections. Reflections of the year just closing behind us. We will ponder the previous year’s events, which likely held moments of great joy and and even deep sorrow. Endings and beginnings. ForContinue reading “Reflections”
New Year’s Resolutions for the Bereaved
I imagine many of you think, “Phew, we made it! We managed to survive the holiday season.” As each Christmas passes, I realize I’m still standing. Still breathing. Still holding tight to the One who continues to hold me. Jesus is the cornerstone of each and every day of my life. I don’t know whereContinue reading “New Year’s Resolutions for the Bereaved”
A Way Out and Help for the Holiday
We are mere days away from Christmas and I’m sure there are many who are searching for a way out. A way out of celebrating the most wonderful time of the year, when you may not be feeling so wonderful. A way out of having to be in a room full of so many peopleContinue reading “A Way Out and Help for the Holiday”
Wonderful Counselor of our Hearts
The holidays are a time for celebrating, yet many of us dread this season and cannot wait for the calendar page to turn to January 1. Some imagine the holidays as a scene from It’s a Wonderful Life, and there are others whose reality is more like Scrooged. Maybe you feel burdened by loss as you beginContinue reading “Wonderful Counselor of our Hearts”
Navigating Christmas
Recently, I watched the Hallmark movie Navigating Christmas. Of course, there was the typical boy meets girl scenario. At first, they are at odds with one another, followed by falling in love, then they kiss and live happily ever after! I imagine you’ve all seen one (or fifty) of these. Oh, if only real life workedContinue reading “Navigating Christmas”
Thanksgiving and the Empty Chair
As this week begins all I can think about is how many of us will miss our loved ones on Thanksgiving and the empty chair facing us. If you are among the many with an empty chair at the table this year, you are seen, heard, and understood here. Grief is a challenging journey onContinue reading “Thanksgiving and the Empty Chair”
Creating a Place for Love and Loss
How do we begin creating a place for love and loss when the loss is the most prominent thing we feel? When we experience the loss of a loved one, everything around us looks different. Our worlds are tilted, and we can’t seem to stand like we used to. All our minds can think aboutContinue reading “Creating a Place for Love and Loss”
Hearts Especially Hurt Over the Holidays
Here in the United States, we are just a few short weeks away from celebrating Thanksgiving. If you’re grieving, you may be feeling anything but thankful. This time of year is challenging as our hearts especially hurt over the holidays. As we make plans to get together with family, you may feel pressured to smileContinue reading “Hearts Especially Hurt Over the Holidays”