Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
I Thessalonians 5:18
As Tim and I joined hands with eleven other couples around a gigantic dining table so that we could pray before our meal Saturday evening, I was so surprised when someone suggested that first we sing,
"Praise God from whom all blessings flow.."
It was beautiful!
To see the faces of parents who had lost children in so many different sad and difficult ways be able to still have a song left to sing....
even if the song came through tears..
I was moved deeply.
As my eyes gazed around the table and saw the determined faces of so many hurting moms and dads, holding hands, lifting some sort of praise to the Creator of the Universe, I couldn't help but see the scene flash before me from "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas," where all the Whos down in Whoville gathered together to sing on Christmas morning in spite of all that was missing.
Remember how the Grinch's heart literally grew as heard the music swelling???
Is it easy? No
I woke up this morning after having a very sweet dream about me, Nick, and Mom at the hospital and I felt so sad that I cried all through my shower. I miss Nick so much that my heart literally aches.
But what would change if I abandoned God? Would Nick be back? No
I have to cling to Him who promises MORE! Him who promises ETERNITY!
Even when it hurts!
5 Comments:
Yes, the blessings do flow from our loving Heavenly Father...even when our hearts are breaking! So glad you had a special time this weekend - I am always amazed how many hurting, grieving parents there really are - everywhere. (I often feel so alone.) I'm sure you were a blessing.
Jennifer,
I know what you mean......it was such a bittersweet weekend. To feel comfort in not being "alone" in our grief and yet to feel so "sad" when hearing their stories.
You are not alone, my sweet friend.
I am right here with you! I love you!
Tammy
Oh, precious one! I am sending you hugs right now. I would love to be there in person!! I pray that you will experience God's love and strength today.
Love you!!
Susan
All I can say is AMEN! I am so glad those parents you met are determined. That is half the battle, the decision to win and stay close to God no matter what
Oh Tammy...
I'm so over-joyed to read this post. I receive Nancy's newsletters and was thinking, wow, I wish Tammy could go to this.
And then you DID!!
I can't begin to imagine the pain and heartache all you have endured.
I watched my mom lose her son and as a sibling and daughter of a grieving parents, it was difficult.
I know how much you love Jesus.
I loved the analogy you used today about that movie, how neat!
Truly you lived out what the word instructs us to do...
"Through Him, therefore, let us constantly and at all times offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of lips that thankfully acknowledge and confess and glorify His name" Hebrews 13:15
Thanks so much for sharing these precious tender moments with us~
Praying for your family, and many others that are walking through this now♥
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