Today’s LOVE is a bitter-sweet.   Maybe not “bitter”, but a little semi-sweet.
This evening I went to my sweet friend’s daddy’s visitation.  When I hugged Kendra and her momma I mentioned how God is holding them up and to feel His strength.  I could see how they were being strong and had smiles on their faces knowing that their loved one is walking with the Lord right now.  But, I could also see the all familiar look in their eyes of the tiredness within them. 
When I first arrived at the funeral home the thought did occur to me that I hadn’t been there since my mother-in-law’s funeral last June.  I put the thought in the back of my mind, and met up with my long-time and forever friend, Shanon.  We walked up together and had a wonderful conversation with an old friend’s precious mother.    It was great catching up with Ms. Beverly. (Why is it that going to funerals is like going to family or class reunions?  You see so many wonderful familiar faces with some names you can recall and some you can’t think of, so you just say hi and smile.)  After the hugs, well wishes, catch-up conversations, and all, it was time to leave.
Whew! That’s when I couldn’t hold it any longer.  The emotions came over me and I couldn’t help but stop in mid-sentence with Shanon and say, “I’m sorry” and just cry.  The thoughts of my last visit to Hopewell Funeral Home overtook me.
Here’s where the LOVE comes….I LOVE the fact that God gave me Shanon’s arms to hold me while I cried.  The arms from a friend are comforting.  Then, when I composed myself we said our goodbyes and I proceeded to the car.  I closed the door and sat there for five minutes breathing, crying, praying, and recalling God’s word.  I LOVE the fact that when I turned my car on God had the song playing  “Hold You Up”  by Shane Harper.  (It is a song from the upcoming movie “God’s Not Dead” .) I felt a great big God-hug at that moment.  I LOVE the fact that God provides us with numerous scriptures to comfort us.
Isaiah 41:10 says, “Don’t worry—I am with you.  Don’t be afraid—I am your God.  I will make you strong and help you.  I will support you with my right hand that brings victory.”  A friend’s support is great, but God’s sustaining love is quite powerful.
LOVE friends.  LOVE songs. LOVE  scripture. LOVE a good hold-onto from God.
I pray God’s abundant love and blessings to y’all.