“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18 We spent this past weekend at the While We’re Waiting Refuge in Hot Springs with several other parents whose children have run ahead to Heaven. I know it sounds like a depressing way to spend a summer weekend. … Continue reading The Truth Behind the Smile
Category: Grief
God’s Protection
I have wrestled with the idea of “God’s protection” since Joshua ran ahead to Heaven. Not everyday. But sometimes I will hear something that causes me to reflect on it again. A few weeks ago, I heard a woman say, “I praise God for protecting my husband. He was in a horrific accident that should … Continue reading God’s Protection
Crying during the Sad Parts
Michael and I recently attended a retreat for bereaved parents. Before Joshua died, I couldn’t imagine attending something that sounded so depressing. In fact, most people would expect that such a weekend would be miserable. It is far from it. Is it a difficult weekend? Yes. Even somewhat awkward at least for the first few … Continue reading Crying during the Sad Parts
God Answers My Prayers (Part 5)
There are so many scriptures about prayer that I cling to. One of my favorites has always been Psalm 37:4 “Delight yourself in the Lord; And He will give you the desires of your heart.” I have spent my life delighting myself in the Lord. He didn’t give me the desire of my heart when … Continue reading God Answers My Prayers (Part 5)
God Answers My Prayers (Part 1)
I’m going to be honest and let you know before you read all of this that you might not like some of what I say. I know without a doubt that God has answered every single prayer that I have ever spoken to Him. He has not always said yes, but He has answered every … Continue reading God Answers My Prayers (Part 1)
He Hears My Prayer
Have you found yourself calling out to God during this pandemic? Are you wondering if He is listening? He is. If God says He will do something, He will. He only has to say it one time, and He doesn’t have to guarantee it with a pinky promise. If He says it, it is true. … Continue reading He Hears My Prayer
Walking the Same Path
I remember the very first “While We’re Waiting Mom’s Day” that I attended after Joshua died. I pulled into the driveway, parked my car and sat there for a minute trying to decide if I would stay or just pull away. What had possessed me to sign up to go and spend a day with … Continue reading Walking the Same Path
Today is Hard
About this time last year, a heavy rain stick fell off the window sill in my classroom and hit my foot. I expected it to bruise, but it didn’t. In fact, there wasn’t a mark at all, nor did it have any impact on my ability to walk. But occasionally, when I moved a certain … Continue reading Today is Hard
Life Lessons from Grief – Living with Fear
I have been fearful all my life. Growing up I was afraid of everything. I always wanted to be more like my mom. She was afraid of absolutely nothing. I remember sitting in the gym in middle school during a presentation and having this overwhelming paralyzing fear. I wasn’t in any danger. No one had … Continue reading Life Lessons from Grief – Living with Fear
Life Lessons from Grief – No more “buts”
For months after Joshua died, I could only feel the deepest sorrow I had ever felt. I tried to smile when others were happy or shared good news. I didn’t feel it on the inside. It was all fake, a facade, like the commercial where the people carry around the happy face on the popsicle … Continue reading Life Lessons from Grief – No more “buts”
With Eyes on the Cross 