Have faith in Him in all circumstances, dear people, open up your heart to Him: the True God shelters us in His arms. (Psalm 62:8 The Voice)
From the podium, I studied the faces before me. I shared some of my grief journey with the Griefshare group at my church. I wanted them to know how God continues to show up even in grief.
My voice cracked a bit as I read one of the devotionals from my book. Ambushed by grief from the memories. The pain I saw in those in front of me broke my heart, but I knew they would also be ambushed by God’s glory.
While I explained about writing my book, they listened intently. Even though it was difficult to write the book, I wanted my story to encourage and comfort others.
Tears rolled down the face of a newcomer at the back of the room. I ached for her. When I finished, I gave a book to the leader for a man who had lost his wife and was having a hard time.
Then I walked to the crying lady. She opened her arms for a hug. After that, I gave her a copy of my book. God guided me there for those grieving people that I didn’t know.
But God wasn’t finished.
In the foyer of the church, my friend, Linda, sat with another lady on a couch. She smiled and motioned for me to stop.
“This is Maria,” Linda said. “This is her first time at Northland, and she was to meet some other widows.”
“I was just sharing about my book at Griefshare,” I said.
“I didn’t know you wrote a book. May I have one to share?” she asked.
I handed her a book before she left to join her husband on stage for the service. She explained to the congregation about meeting Maria in the lobby.
Maria and I began sharing our stories of losing a spouse. Her journey was newer than mine so I told her what I experienced. Tears came as we talked and hugged.
The ladies she was to meet never showed up. Later, she remembered that they had changed the meeting place that night. She forgot and came. We both knew that God brought us together for a specific time and purpose. We have been contacting each other by email and plan to meet again soon.
Over and over, God has placed people in my life who are grieving. Because of the pain I have endured and the comfort I have received, I am able to comfort and encourage others.
Heavenly Father, thank you for using my pain to comfort others who struggle. Open my heart and eyes to see them. Amen
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