What an emotional week we’ve had, not only for my home state, but for our country, and world as well. Terror has struck across our land.
My heart aches. God’s heart aches.
Yesterday I had a conversation with a gentleman about the recent events that have taken place in Orlando. He noticed my shirt that I was wearing, “Pray it Forward”; he heard me humming a Christian song; he said that he could sense God’s peace in my home, so this gentleman proceeded to ask me questions about God, my faith, why would God allow this, homosexuality, guns, etc. Our conversation was brief, but with much depth. I totally believe that God was pouring the words in and out of me throughout that precious exchange of words. Thank You, Lord, for providing godly wisdom when needed.
Instead of getting into the many aspects of the conversation I had yesterday, I do feel the need to share something else with you.
We all grieve. Whether it is for a situation that has occurred in our own family or for others, we all grieve.
In Psalm 34:18 we are told, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” Amen. He is. I can testify to it as well. God is close. He will rescue. We have to reach out to Him and allow Him to rescue us during these times of heartbreak.
Remember the days following the attacks on 9/11? The churches were filled. People were seeking. Seeking God. Seeking answers. Seeking peace.
In opposition, People often want to push God away during these times. Some will even blame God. Most will question “why?”
Advice: Please don’t push Him away. Draw near to Him and He will come close to you (James 4:8). Don’t blame God. Please remember that our Creator has nothing to do with evil, only Satan does. Satan has come to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10). Go ahead and question “why”, just be prepared to not get an answer right away. His thoughts and ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8). We may never know the answers to the questions we have until we get to heaven.
When my family went through a tragic death a few things that helped me were: clinging to God’s word, songs, prayer, walks, and knowing that I will see my loved one again in heaven.
Clinging to the Word: We are told that we will have troubles and trials in this world (John 16:33). Life isn’t fair. Read the book of Job or Psalms 73 or a plethora of other examples in the bible. We are also told that God is our strength, Comforter, Peace, Everlasting Love, and so much more! So, knowing that heartache will come and where to turn to when it does, was comforting for me. If you’re new to the bible, you can even google something like, “bible verses for when I feel __________” and a multitude of scripture will appear. I want to encourage you to seek peace through seeking God in His word. Cling to The Word.
Songs: Oh how I love music. Music can speak volumes to us, even without even hearing any words. I’ll never forget when a dear friend gave me the Mercy Me cd when I was in the midst of grieving. A song that helped me was “The Hurt and The Healer”. It’s been years since my personal experience, but when I hear the song today, and the words still bring tears of comfort to me.

Here are the lyrics: (Click here to view the video.)

Why? The question that is never far away The healing doesn’t come from the explained Jesus please don’t let this go in vain You’re all I have All that remains

So here I am What’s left of me Where glory meets my suffering

I’m alive. Even though a part of me has died You take my heart and breathe it back to life I’ll fall into Your arms open wide When the hurt and the healer collide

Breathe Sometimes I feel it’s all that I can do Pain so deep that I can hardly move Just keep my eyes completely fixed on You Lord take hold and pull me through

So here I am What’s left of me Where glory meets my suffering

I’m alive Even though a part of me has died You take my heart and breathe it back to life I’ll fall into Your arms open wide When the hurt and the healer collide

It’s the moment when humanity Is overcome by majesty When grace is ushered in for good And all our scars are understood When mercy takes its rightful place And all these questions fade away When out of the weakness we must bow And hear You say it’s over now

I’m alive Even though a part of me has died You take my heart and breathe it back to life I’ll fall into Your arms open wide When the hurt and the healer collide

Jesus come and break my fear Awake my heart and take my tears Find Your glory even here When the hurt and the healer collide

Jesus come and break my fear Awake my heart and take my tears Find Your glory even here When the hurt and the healer collide

Jesus come and break my fear Awake my heart and take my tears Find Your glory even here

Another song that is more current, with a beautiful message as to why it was written, that I feel helps to heal your broken heart is “Tell Your Heart To Beat Again” by Danny Gokey. Powerful! (Click here to view the testimony and live performance.)

You’re shattered, Like you’ve never been before. The life you knew, In a thousand pieces on the floor. And words fall short in times like these, When this world drives you to your knees. You think you’re never gonna get back, To the you that used to be.

Tell your heart to beat again. Close your eyes and breathe it in. Let the shadows fall away. Step into the light of grace. Yesterday’s a closing door. You don’t live there anymore. Say goodbye to where you’ve been. And tell your heart to beat again.

Beginning, Just let that word wash over you. It’s alright now, Love’s healing hands have pulled you through. So get back up, take step one, Leave the darkness, feel the sun. Cause your story’s far from over, And your journey’s just begun.

Tell your heart to beat again. Close your eyes and breathe it in. Let the shadows fall away. Step into the light of grace. Yesterday’s a closing door. You don’t live there anymore. Say goodbye to where you’ve been. And tell your heart to beat again.

Let every heartbreak, And every scar, Be a picture that reminds you, Who has carried you this far. ‘Cause love sees farther than you ever could, In this moment heaven’s working, Everything for your good.

Tell your heart to beat again. Close your eyes and breathe it in. Let the shadows fall away. Step into the light of grace. Yesterday’s a closing door. You don’t live there anymore. Say goodbye to where you’ve been. And tell your heart to beat again.

Oh how there are so many more songs that I could post. You could share. I’d love for you to post a song that has helped you through a difficult time in the comment section below. Allow music to speak to you, comfort you, and give you peace.
Prayer: I’m not sure how I’d get through a day without having a conversation with God. The thing with God is that even when we don’t know what to say He knows our hearts. “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” Romans 8:26. While grieving, I pray for forgiveness for myself, others, and the person who passed. I pray for peace, comfort, and understanding. I pray strength and words to say. I pray for my eyes to be open to the blessings I have. I pray for others. Praying for others and their needs was extremely helpful. It would make me feel useful and would take my mind off my selfish feelings and give me a mission. In a situation like the terrorist attack in Orlando, we are even instructed to pray for our enemies. “But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!” Matthew 5:44 . God WILL deal with those who commit evil. We will each have to account for ourselves. PRAY.
Walk: Whether I was walking the hills of Kentucky, the beaches of Florida, or my neighborhood, walking was helpful in my time of grief. While walking I would either listen to music, chat with God, remember the good times, keep my eyes alert to what was surrounding me, and even listen. I’d listen for God’s still small, yet powerful, voice. One thing that I clearly felt God impressing on my heart was “I am not alone”. Death happens daily. Whether you’re grieving over an unexpected tragedy or a long awaited illness, and no matter the age or stage of life one is in, remember…YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Read the lyrics and listen “I Am Not Alone” by Kari Jobe. When I watched this video it was so eerie for me because the path looks exactly like our Kentucky trails through the woods. Exactly! Eerie, yet comforting. (I think God wanted me to see that now.)

“I Am Not Alone”

When I walk through deep waters, I know that You will be with me. When I’m standing in the fire, I will not be overcome. Through the valley of the shadow I will not fear. [x2:] I am not alone. I am not alone. You will go before me. You will never leave me. In the midst of deep sorrow. I see Your light is breaking through. The dark of night will not overtake me. I am pressing into You Lord, You fight my every battle. And I will not fear. [x4:] You amaze me. Redeem me. You call me as Your own. You’re my strength. You’re my defender. You’re my refuge in the storm. Through these trials You’ve always been faithful .You bring healing to my soul. [x6:] I am not alone. I am not alone. You will go before me. You will never leave .

Yes, God will go before you and never leave you!
Knowing that I will see my loved one again in heaven: Whenever tragedy strikes, like it has our nation, it makes me feel the sense of urgency and reflection. An urgency to want to make sure everyone knows my Savior. An urgency for all to desire to know Him personally and invite Christ into their hearts so that everyone has an opportunity to be in Heaven one day. Oh, friend, you can’t get to Heaven by just being good or because your grandparent is a Christian, or because you’ve graced the church doors with your presence. No. The ONLY way to Heaven is through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I can’t do it for you. Your parents cannot will it on you. You have to make the choice for yourself. So why wait? Do it now! As you can tell by just watching the news or driving down the street, we are not guaranteed tomorrow. Please get your heart right with Jesus today. I encourage you, if you have never made that decision to invite Christ into your heart, please seek a bible believing pastor, counselor, friend, or even message me. Click on the tab above titled “How to be a Christian”. It’s urgent! Reflect. Reflect on your life. Ask yourself, “How can I be a better person?” “What can I do to help others in their time of need?” “What does God want me to do with my life today to make a difference?” I am so grateful that God gives me the sense of urgency, reflection, and comfort in knowing that my family do have a personal relationship with Christ and that we will all meet again in Heaven.
Friend, I am praying for you through your time of grief.
We all grief.
You are not alone.
Trust. Trust in God.

You won’t regret clicking here to hear Lauren Daigle sing “Trust in You”.

I pray that you will enjoy soaking up The Son every moment of each day. –Stephanie
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