His Strength In Sorrow

We all experience it at one time or another....the pain and anguish of loss.

The past two weeks, my heart has been extremely heavy. I pray and search the Psalms for comfort, peace and answers to everything that has been happening around me lately.

My mother, although doing better, is still dealing with after affects and extreme exhaustion from health issues that took their extreme last week. I have praised God and thanked Him for her life. Recovery has been slow and difficult...but I am glad she has the chance to *be* recovering. I am trying to be the best help to her, as I can. Unfortunately, when I get overly busy...I show my stress by crying. In fear that my emotions would affect *her*, I called her expressing my apologies for my tears as I was helping her at her house the other evening. She is so loving and understanding, and for that, I am truly thankful.

I have a *true* desire to be who everyone needs me to be. I want to *fix* things around me. I run into a problem, though, as I start trying to do, do, do and all of a sudden realize that my imperfect, human self can't actually *be* and *do* everything my heart desires to. It's when I *must* turn to the only One Who *can* handle it all. He is my only sanctuary...offering peace and rest. I turn to him again and again as some days seem more difficult than others. Yesterday was one of those days.

A young, newly married, family friend was killed in an accident at his work, yesterday morning. His life, at the age of 23, was just beginning. He and his wife had just purchased a house and were beginning their lives together. Before buying their new house, they used to rent an apartment from my parents. He had even worked for my dad, at his garage, at one time.
My sister called me, with the horrible news. Immediately, my heart sunk....disbelief and sadness spreading through me like wildfire. He was such a good kid...but I don't know if he was saved. I don't know where his relationship with Jesus stood...it makes my heart hurt even *more*. Now, I just want to stand on the rooftops and call out to everyone that Jesus loves them, died for them and desires them to *know* Him!

I awoke, this morning, with a headache. Although dulled by the medicine I took, it's still there, lingering. My body feels stiff and achy...I didn't sleep well at all. And I know that our friend's wife, mother and brother probably didn't sleep at all...and if they did, only because extreme emotional exhaustion pushed them to it....awaking to the bitter truth. A truth that they will awaken to each and every morning. Oh how my heart prays for them...their comfort and healing. Would you pray with me, too? Please, cry out on their behalf...asking for a love that only the True-Love-Giver can surround them with.

After bathing and dressing this morning, I received a phone call from my sister. My grandma...who is living with Alzheimer's and celebrates her 75th birthday, tomorrow, was being taken to the hospital. She was talking and soon, her speech was not understandable. She is alive...but not responsive now. My father, aunts and uncles are with her. I sit here, waiting to hear what is happening. I thought about going to the hospital...but I would have my children with me and I don't know that it would be good to take them there, to a small waiting room.


I have found His Strength...although the hurt is there, I know I have He Who loves me most, at my side. The Great Comforter is my solace. He hears my cries and, although I may not see it right now, has His hand on everything. He knows each and every concern we have...and is in control of it all. I am praying that those who don't know this...will.

If you are struggling today...know He will rescue you from the hurt. Turn to Him and trust Him. Read Psalm 40 and rest in Him. Find encouragement in Psalm 37. Pray and read. Read and pray.

And if you have a moment, a dear blogger, Jewels, has a prayer request for her friend, George...who needs the peace of God as his body is battling cancer. You can go HERE to read Jewels' prayer request.

As I continually blink away tears...as they come and go...I thank you for taking the time to stop and read. This has been a difficult time for loved ones, around me...and I appreciate your prayers....because the only way to have *real* peace is from the Source, who freely gives.

Prayerfully,
Katy

The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee,
and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.
~Numbers 6:24-26